Is appetite loss normal or a sign of a larger issue?

Many people have experienced a day when they simply weren’t hungry for one reason or another. But this lack of interest in food may reveal something about your health.

In fact, Dr. Sara Hammer, a family medicine physician at Advocate Health Care, says appetite loss is complex and can be a combination of physiological, psychological, social and disease-related factors.

What health factors cause appetite loss?

“In older adults, age-related changes are a common contributor to appetite loss, such as decreased sensory perception, impaired chewing or swallowing, cognitive decline, depression and chronic illness,” she explains. “Medications can also frequently cause gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth and altered taste, which can further reduce food intake.”

If you suspect your appetite loss is medication-related, review all your current medications with your primary care provider.

“Your primary care provider may identify medications that affect taste, cause nausea, or suppress appetite and consider dose adjustment, substitution or discontinuation,” Dr. Hammer says.

Some medications where appetite loss is a common side effect include:

• Antibiotics
• Chemotherapy
• Amphetamines, commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Some SSRIs
• Blood pressure medications
• Anti-seizure medications
• Cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia
• Opioid pain relievers

When is appetite loss a concern? 

While you are sick, it’s common to not have a large appetite. This typically resolves once you recover from the illness. However, appetite loss that doesn’t go away could signal an underlying health concern.

“Persistent appetite loss that coincides with unintentional weight loss, fatigue, weakness, or signs of malnutrition is a cause for concern,” Dr. Hammer says. “A thorough evaluation including history, physical exam, and targeted laboratory tests is warranted if appetite loss is unexplained or severe.”

Dr. Hammer adds that weight loss can be especially dangerous for older adults since it’s associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Are there ways to combat appetite loss?

To combat appetite loss, you first need to know why it’s occurring. That’s why it’s important to consult with your primary care provider, who can review your health history and perform a physical exam to help identify and treat any underlying health conditions.

“Your health care provider may also suggest non-pharmacologic interventions, such as feeding assistance for older adults, focusing on appealing and calorically dense foods, and addressing chewing or swallowing difficulties,” Dr. Hammer explains. “Nutritional supplements may be considered but appetite stimulant medications are generally reserved for select cases due to very limited efficacy and the potential for side effects.”

Additionally, it’s important to seek mental health support for signs of depression, which is a mental health condition commonly tied to appetite loss.

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of emotional distress, call or text the suicide & crisis lifeline at 988.   

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