Loss Of Appetite: Why Does It Appear?

Loss of appetite is a symptom of some illnesses, but it can also occur because you are going through complicated or stressful stages in your life. Check out some of the most common causes of this symptom.

Who has it not happened to? A sudden (or gradual) loss of appetite. It is a symptom that can be normal if it occurs at certain times in our life. However, when it becomes recurrent or intense, we should go to a doctor so as not to put our health at risk.

Here we have listed some of the possible causes that would explain the loss of appetite. As we will see, these are both medical and psychological causes (sometimes even a combination of both).

Loss of appetite: why does it appear?

Before we look at the possible causes that may explain the loss of appetite, let’s explain what it is. It occurs when the desire to eat decreases or disappears. The abnormal loss of appetite is called anorexia (not to be confused with eating disorders).

While loss of appetite can happen at different times in our lives (and shouldn’t be worrying) – for example because we are going through a time of stress – if it happens repeatedly or intensely, the situation could make us feel worse. cause them to fall ill. In this case, it is therefore recommended to consult a professional.

But, why does loss of appetite appear? Find out in the rest of this article some of the possible causes. We insist, however, that each individual case must be assessed.

A woman who suffers from loss of appetite.

Loss of appetite and infectious diseases

Certain infectious diseases could explain a loss of appetite, in particular those which affect the digestive tract, inhibiting cravings. Some of them are linked to food poisoning.

On the other hand, some food intolerances can also decrease appetite when an episode occurs. For example: lactose or gluten intolerance.

Intense emotional stress

When we go through situations (or times) of intense emotional stress, there may also be a loss of appetite. Emotional stress can result from multiple causes : migration process, job change or loss, moving, loss or death of a loved one, romantic breakup, fall in love, birth of a child, etc.

Side effects of drugs

Loss of appetite can also occur due to the side effects of certain medications, such as those produced by weight loss medications or psychostimulants (to treat conditions such as ADHD). Chemotherapy can also cause this symptom.

Other diseases

Some illnesses can also cause loss or decrease in appetite. Heart or kidney failure and hepatitis are some of these diseases, as well as HIV, as suggested by a study by Domínguez, Nold, Llorente and Ramírez (2011) conducted by the Instituto Superior de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago .

Cancer can also cause a decrease in appetite. Sometimes loss of appetite occurs at an advanced stage of the disease (such as with heart or kidney failure). In others, at the onset of the disease.

Mental disorders

Certain mental disorders can also explain the origin of the loss of appetite. The most common are depression, dysthymia, anorexia, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia…

State of mind

A bad mood could also explain a sudden loss of appetite, as revealed in a study by Baena, Sandoval, Urbina, Juárez and Villaseñor (2005). So when we are “depressed” or sadder, we tend to be less hungry (although there are people who are just the opposite, who eat more).

Old age

Old age is a stage in life where loss of appetite is common (Bofill, 2005). In these cases, it is called hyporexia.

Among the causes that would explain hyporexia in the elderly, we can cite, on the one hand, the fact that the elderly tend to perceive smells and tastes less. On the other hand, certain social and personal circumstances (loss of loved ones, feeling of loneliness and / or abandonment, side effects of certain medications, etc.)

Elderly woman who suffers from loss of appetite.

The time of year (summer)

In summer, loss of appetite is a common occurrence. This is because at this time the body does not need so much food to keep itself warm (which does not happen in winter, for example). In addition, the metabolism may slow down, resulting in a decrease in the urge to eat.

What happens in winter? We are hungrier because our bodies need more food to stay warm and more energy to burn and maintain body temperature.

Loss of appetite: listening to our body

As we can see, the causes that would explain why we experience sudden or gradual, transient or prolonged loss of appetite are very varied. Among them are intense or negative emotional states, stressful situations, illnesses and mental disorders.

What matters here, in order to avoid endangering our health, is to be attentive to our body and to observe our symptoms. This vigilance will make it easier for us to ask for help when we need it.