Several factors contribute to loss of appetite, or reduced desire to eat. According to the University of Wisconsin, people with illnesses, such as anorexia, cancer, chronic liver or kidney disease, and HIV/AIDS, commonly experience reduced appetite. Emotional triggers, such as depression or traumatic events, and medications may also contribute. Lost appetite can cause unhealthy weight loss, weakened immune system and other complications. If you experience decreased appetite, seek guidance from your doctor.
Scheduled Eating Times
When your appetite is completely absent, you may need to retrain your body to desire food by eating meals and snacks at scheduled times. According to an excerpt from the book, "Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide to Recovery," on the Gurze Books website, loss of appetite may occur during a late stage of the eating disorder anorexia after an elongated period of self-starvation. People recovering from anorexia, depression or other conditions that have resulted in the body's inability to feel hunger may benefit from scheduled meals. Over time, eating at similar times daily can lead to returned, appropriate hunger, peaking at appropriate times. For best results, seek guidance from a qualified dietary professional who can help determine what meal and snack times, foods and food amounts best suit you.
Stress Relief
Stressful emotions may hinder appetite for some people. Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, yoga, massage, warm baths, walking outdoors and managing stressful situations, may help improve your desire to eat. Create a list of activities you find relaxing to keep nearby at mealtimes. If you feel stressed or anxious prior to eating, refer to your list and take a few minutes, or however long it takes, to relax your body and mind so that neither will hinder your appetite.
Pleasurable Eating Atmosphere
Improving your surroundings at meal times may help increase your desire to eat. The Mayo Clinic suggests creating a pleasurable eating atmosphere, drawing on colors, smells and sounds you enjoy as a means of remedying lost appetite. In addition, choose foods you find most appealing and those that fill your home or dining area with pleasant smells. Preparing foods you associate with comfort, such as an entree a loved one prepared for you as a child, or those you associate with your favorite holiday or time of year may also help.
Exercise
Cardiovascular activity, also known as aerobic exercise, may stimulate your appetite. The Mayo Clinic recommends regular, moderate exercise for best results. Keep in mind that exercise burns calories. To maintain appropriate body weight, you may have to increase your caloric consumption. Excessive exercise (exercising longer than 30 to 60 minutes daily or at highly elevated healthy heart rate levels), however, generally causes more harm than good. If you are recovering from a physical illness or injury, seek guidance from a physical therapist or qualified fitness professional who can guide you toward proper form and what types of activity best suit you and your recovery. Seek approval from your doctor prior to making changes in your exercise lifestyle for best results.
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