Underactive Thyroid
Various factors can suppress appetite, including stress, hormone changes, and medications. In addition, an underactive thyroid can be a cause of appetite loss.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. This gland produces thyroid hormone, which helps to regulate metabolism. An underactive thyroid condition such as Hashimoto’s Disease occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t have enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to various symptoms, including appetite loss.
An underactive thyroid can cause appetite loss in a few different ways. First, when the body’s metabolism is sluggish, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy. This can make it difficult to muster the energy to prepare healthy meals or eat at all. Hypothyroidism can cause gastrointestinal problems like constipation and bloating, further decreasing appetite.
For individuals who suspect that their loss of appetite may be due to an underactive thyroid, it’s essential to speak with a specialist. In addition, meeting with a registered dietitian or nutritionist who specializes in helping people manage thyroid conditions may help come up with meal ideas that will work specifically for an individual’s specific type of hypothyroidism.
