Appetite Loss
As its name implies, appetite loss, or anorexia, is when an individual loses interest in eating. Not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, the eating disorder, anorexia generally occurs as a symptom of another medical condition. Some causes of anorexia include depression, cancer, hepatitis c, kidney failure, heart failure, and Alzheimer’s disease. Even fevers caused by bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can lead to appetite loss.
While most cases of appetite loss aren’t serious, they can also cause complications like unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. So although you might not feel like eating, getting sufficient nutrition and maintaining a moderate and healthy weight is crucial. Some helpful tips to consider when you experience low appetite are consuming multiple small meals throughout your day, snacking whenever the urge arises and working with a nutritionist to develop a dietary plan.
Beyond triggering significant weight loss, it’s best to talk to a medical professional if your anorexia starts to cause headaches, physical weakness, and dizziness. Be prepared to answer some questions that a doctor may ask, such as the medications you’re taking, recent weight changes, and any life changes or events causing stress.
