While the reasons for a teenager's loss of appetite may occur because of growing pains or natural reasons, other causes of a decrease in appetite may need medical attention or intervention. Some underlying causes may require therapy, nutritional education or doctor recommendations. Your teen's loss or decrease in appetite may cause unhealthy weight loss, a compromised immune system and low energy levels. Talk with your teen about what the cause may be, then consult a physician for medical advice.
ADHD/ADD Medication
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP, psychostimulants, including those used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, may lead to loss of appetite among children or teens. An increasingly common disorder among children and teens, ADHD often causes inattentiveness, hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, distraction and disorganization. Teens who suffer from ADHD often experience difficulties with academics and social situations. Discuss lowering the dose with your teen's doctor to help avoid side effects, including loss of appetite. Offering healthy snacks may also help ensure your teen eats the nutrients he needs to function.
Depression
A common reason for a decrease or loss in appetite among adolescents and teens is depression, explains the AAFP. If you suspect your teen is suffering from depression, look for other signs, including changes in sleep patterns, apprehension about attending school and loss of interest in activities he enjoys. While depression may occur for various reasons, the most common include divorce, death of a loved one or other traumatic events. Caused by an imbalance in serotonin or other chemicals in the brain, depression affects both appetite and mood. If signs lead you to believe your teenager is depressed, the AAFP suggests talking with your teen about what might be troubling him. Talk to your teen's physician about his behavior and possible treatment options.
Eating Disorders
Anorexia nervosa, a life-threatening emotional disorder, is often caused by an individual's extreme fear of weight gain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While the obvious sign is extreme weight loss, other signs to watch for include excessive exercise, skipping meals, checking weight several times a day, thinning hair, fatigue or preoccupation with food. While many report to have a loss of appetite to hide the eating disorder, actual loss in appetite occurs in late-stage anorexia as the body's response to self-starvation. Contact a physician or hospital immediately if you suspect your teen suffers from an eating disorder.
Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis, or mono, is often referred to as the "kissing disease" because of its transmission through saliva. According to the TeensHealth website from the Nemours Foundation, most individuals who suffer from mono contracted it by kissing or by sharing a lipstick, eating utensils or drinks with the infected individual. Symptoms of the illness include loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, abdominal pain, sore throat and weakness. Mono has no cure, but plenty of rest, a well-balanced diet, ibuprofen and plenty of fluids may speed your teenager's recovery time. Avoid spreading mono to friends or family members by educating your teen on how the disease is spread.
Stress
Stress, like depression, causes emotional, physical and mental damage to the body. A decrease or loss in appetite is one effect that stress has on the body. Serious loss of appetite may occur among teenagers who have social or academic difficulties at school because of the psychological and emotional stress. Teens coping with a traumatic event, such as the death of a family member, may experience stress in their daily life. Stress often leads to other emotional or psychological health problems, so listen to your teen when he discusses what may be causing stress in his life. To help relieve stress and stimulate appetite, encourage your teen to perform relaxation or stress-reducing techniques. Exercise may also relieve stress.
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