Appetite, or the desire to eat, is a valuable aspect of a person's health. Without it, you may experience unhealthy weight loss and reduced nutrient-intake. This can heighten the risk for serious complications such as a weakened immune system, reduced bone strength, poor energy and emotional problems such as depression. If you struggle with reduced appetite, seek prompt guidance from your doctor.
Depression
Depression, also known as major or clinical depression, is a chronic illness characterized by elongated periods of negative emotions that affect your thoughts, behaviors and, potentially, your appetite. People with depression commonly experience reduced appetite and residual weight loss. Additional symptoms of depression may include fatigue, loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities, food cravings and weight gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, crying for no apparent reason and body aches. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression among elderly people often goes undiagnosed because symptoms such as reduced appetite may be confused with normal signs of aging. On the contrary, depression is not a normal part of healthy aging. If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of depression, seek guidance from your doctor or therapist. A person's appetite generally improves once the underlying illness is treated.
Medications and Street Drugs
Loss of appetite may occur as a side effect of certain medications. According to the New York Times Health Guide, medications and street drugs such as amphetamines, antibiotics, chemotherapy medications, cough and cold medications, the heart-strengthening medication digitalis, Demerol, codeine and morphine and ephedrine are common culprits. When prescription medications cause reduced appetite for those with serious illnesses such as cancer, the results can be particularly damaging. A healthy appetite can help ensure that your body reaps positive amounts of energy, nutrients and protein, which is necessary for tissue repair and lean muscle strength. If you experience reduced appetite and suspect your prescription medication as the trigger, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. In some cases, alternate medications can replace your current medication, minus the appetite-lowering effects. If not, nutritional supplementation or methods of improving your appetite, such as eating smaller meals or avoiding certain foods, may help. Seek your doctor's guidance and approval prior to making changes in your medications.
Cancer
Cancer and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can cause loss of appetite. In addition to physical causes, emotional factors such as feelings of hopelessness, frustration or sadness may also contribute. According to the American Cancer Society, all cancer patients can expect unintentional weight loss at some point, either as an initial symptom of esophageal, lung or stomach cancer, or as a result of nausea, vomiting or other common side effects of cancer treatments and medications. Since loss of appetite frequently leads to weight loss, improving your appetite is key. If you experience sudden loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss, seek guidance from your doctor to determine whether an illness such as cancer is the cause. If you have cancer, seek ways to maintain your appetite and to make food and eating more desirable. A pleasant eating atmosphere, drinking protein shakes or fruit smoothies when solid food sounds unappealing, and sucking ice cubes or ginger lozenges during bouts of nausea, may prove helpful.
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