What is a lack of appetite?

A lack of appetite can be persistent or temporary. It can be caused by several factors, some of them originating from an underlying condition which could, in some cases, be serious. A lack of appetite can often lead to sudden weight loss.

What are the consequences of a lack of appetite?

The most common consequences of decreased appetite are:

• A failure to get all of the necessary nutrients and calorific intake to preserve your health
• Emaciation
• Dehydration (this could be particularly dangerous for children and for the elderly, especially during hotter weather).

Which tests might be done if you have decreased appetite?

Your doctor may prescribe you one or more of the following tests to determine whether the decreased appetite is caused by an underlying condition:

• Complete blood count
• Stool test
• Coeliac test
• Testing for Helicobacter pylori bacteria
• Screening tests to assess your liver’s health
• Further blood tests to make sure you don’t have any vitamin deficiencies
• An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and medication review

What causes a lack of appetite?

Prolonged decreased appetite can be caused by numerous factors, including:

• Taking certain medications (for instance, chemotherapy drugs or some antibiotics)
• Food intolerances
• Physiological reasons, including natural changes from seasonal weather changes, pregnancy, teething (in babies) to diet changes (for instance, when travelling to another country)

A number of psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety or depression may be linked to a loss of appetite. There are a wide range of possible conditions which can cause a loss of appetite. Based on any other symptoms you are experiencing, your doctor may wish to perform additional testing to rule out a serious underlying condition. 

How is a lack of appetite treated?

There are several ways of addressing the problem, depending on what is causing it:

• Eating high calories and nutrient dense foods - it may help to eat several small meals during the day instead of eating the traditional three large meals a day. Eating foods rich in vitamins (especially B-group vitamins), proteins and fatty acids can be helpful.
• Exercising regularly helps to naturally stimulate your appetite.
• Try to eat with other people as much as possible, making meal time a ritual and a convivial moment with your friends and family. 
• If eating provokes a sensation of rejection and nausea, your doctor may prescribe you some supplements or anti-nausea medication

Once the physical causes of a loss of appetite have been ruled out, it may be considered as a psychological condition. Depending on how severe it is, you may have to see a psychologist or psychotherapist, getting started on a journey that could help you overcome this problem and get back to physical and psychological health and well-being. You may also want to consider stress management techniques, which may include learning relaxation strategies or meditating. Keeping a diary about what stresses you out or talking about the problem with friends or family could also be helpful.

Which doctor should I see?

A general or internal physician or GP can prescribe some tests to establish the cause of a loss of appetite and refer you to the right specialist if necessary.