What does loss of appetite mean?
Appetite is the desire to eat and is different from the body's biological hunger. You may need energy without feeling hungry, especially when you are sick or stressed.
A short-term loss of appetite is common with colds, stomach upsets, and fevers. Long-term loss of appetite can affect weight, muscle mass, immune system, and recovery.
If loss of appetite has already led to weight loss, it is important to read more about unexplained weight loss.
Common causes of poor appetite
Infection, fever, nausea, constipation, reflux, and other stomach problems can reduce appetite. Pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue can make meals strenuous.
Medications can affect taste, nausea, dry mouth, and stomach function. Alcohol and nicotine can also affect appetite and nutrient intake.
Depression, anxiety, sadness and stress can reduce appetite. In the elderly, loneliness, chewing problems and impaired smell or taste can contribute.
When should loss of appetite be assessed?
Contact your healthcare provider if your appetite does not return, you lose weight, or you notice significant weakness. Early satiety, recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits should also be assessed.
Difficulty swallowing, food getting stuck, blood in vomit or stool, jaundice, and unexplained fever are warning symptoms.
Seek medical attention quickly if you are not drinking enough fluids, urinating very little, becoming confused or experiencing a rapid deterioration in your general condition.
Seek medical attention when loss of appetite leads to significant weight loss, weakness, or signs of dehydration.
How is prolonged loss of appetite investigated?
The healthcare provider asks about weight, meals, early satiety, swallowing, bowel movements, pain, nausea, medications, and mental health. The mouth, teeth, throat, lymph nodes, and abdomen may need to be examined.
Blood counts, blood sugar, liver, kidney and thyroid tests, and inflammation markers are examples of possible tests. The choice is adapted to other symptoms.
In case of swallowing problems or upper stomach complaints, gastroscopy may be necessary. A dietitian assessment may be needed at the same time and should not wait until the entire investigation is complete.
When is diagnostic imaging used?
Ultrasound can be used if biliary or liver disease is suspected. CT or MRI may be necessary when test results and symptoms point to abdominal organs or a deeper change.
Abdominal MRI can provide details of several abdominal organs but is not the routine first examination for loss of appetite.
Some important causes are better seen with gastroscopy, blood tests or clinical assessment. The examination is therefore chosen according to the medical question.
How can nutritional intake be facilitated?
Small, frequent meals can be easier than large portions. Energy-rich foods and smaller amounts of protein can help when food volume is low.
Choose foods that taste and smell acceptable. Cold foods can sometimes be easier to eat when you are feeling nauseous. Drinking between meals can provide less early satiety than large amounts with food.
In the event of rapid weight loss or obvious muscle weakness, the advice should be adapted by the healthcare provider or dietitian. Dietary supplements do not replace investigation of the cause.