1. Treat the Underlying Illness or Condition
Treating the underlying cause of your decreased appetite is essential. Once you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease, depression, cancer or even pregnancy, there are steps you can take to get your condition under control so that your appetite will increase. Some of the treatments may be medical in nature, such as taking medication to regulate your thyroid function. If your decreased appetite is the result of a pregnancy rather than a medical illness, you may have a limited set of options. Wearing acupressure bands may help control morning sickness while you wait patiently for your hormones to adjust themselves. Speak to your doctor about the appropriate treatment for your specific health concern. Don't let it wait too long, as the less you feel like eating, the more malnourished you can become.
2. Pursue Alternative Forms of Nutrition
You may need to resort to alternative methods of nutrition if you have lost a lot of weight and your health is at risk due to your decreased appetite. If you're able to keep food down, you may benefit from high-calorie protein bars and shakes. Your doctor may recommend that you take a multivitamin to repair or prevent any deficiencies. People who have extreme difficulty taking in food due to digestive and/or bowel disorders may need to have nutrition delivered to them through an IV or a gastrostomy tube.
3. Talk to a Therapist
Talk therapy may be a viable treatment option for some people who have a decrease in appetite. Many of us don't feel like eating when we are upset, nervous or depressed. Most people deal with their emotions and lack of appetite effectively in the short term. When you notice that you are losing weight and hardly ever want to eat, it's time to get some help. A psychologist, psychiatrist, school counselor or member of the clergy can function as a sounding board to help you sort out the issues that are bothering you. A professional can provide you with a support system, and may offer some advice that can help you help yourself to feel better. Once you are feeling more like yourself, you may find your appetite is back in full force.
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