A healthy appetite, or desire or willingness to eat, is often a positive indication of health. When an adult's normally hearty appetite decreases significantly, it can be cause for alarm. Fortunately, many causes of reduced appetite, including infections and illnesses, are treatable. If emotional factors, such as increased stress or depression, contribute, you may require counseling, medications and/or time to heal. Regardless of the cause, addressing appetite loss is important for your emotional and physical well-being.
Causes
A varieties of factors may contribute to appetite loss in adults. Any illness can hinder a normally healthy appetite, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Common potential causes include infections, certain medications, pregnancy, kidney or liver disease, cancer and cancer treatment, depression, emotional upset and smoking. Advanced-stage anorexia, food poisoning and hypothyroidism -- an underactive thyroid -- may also contribute.
Significance
Mild or temporary appetite loss is generally harmless. Long-term symptoms, however, can affect your wellness significantly. If you have a serious illness, such as cancer, reduced appetite can make it difficult to consume enough nutrients and calories for healthy recovery. Appetite loss can also lead to dangerously low body weight, which increases your risk for osteoporosis, anemia, amenorrhea, or loss of menstrual cycle, and pregnancy complications, according to clinical dietitian Elena Blanco-Schumacher. You may also experience hair loss, low muscle mass, hormonal imbalanced and reduced immune system function, which heightens your risk for additional infections and diseases.
Diagnosis
If appetite loss appears as your only symptom or the underlying cause remains unknown for other reasons, your doctor may run a series of tests. Your doctor may conduct kidney and liver function tests; blood tests to detect thyroid problems and viruses, such as HIV; a pregnancy test; and a colonoscopy, if colon cancer is a possibility. Before seeing your doctor, take time to asses your symptoms, since he will likely ask you about the severity of your symptoms, how long they've endured, how much weight you've lost, if any, and whether you are experiencing emotional upset.
Treatment
Treatment for appetite loss depends on the severity and cause of your symptoms. If you've developed severe malnutrition, you may be given nutrients intravenously, which may require hospitalization. If an underlying infection, virus or disease is present, your appetite symptoms may dissolve once the condition is treated. If your symptoms persist regardless, discuss the potential need for dietary supplements with your doctor.
Home Care
Taking steps to promote your appetite and healthy food intake at home can help ensure your wellness and prevent potential complications. MayoClinic.com recommends eating small meals more frequently, limiting beverages just before and during your meals and creating a pleasant eating atmosphere. If you have difficulty consuming sufficient calories from solid foods, consider vitamin-enriched protein shakes or homemade smoothies. Preparing hot cereal, soups and mashed potatoes with reduced-fat or whole milk can increase your caloric and nutrient intake.
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