There is a wide range of possibilities that could affect appetite, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. Seniors often develop a loss of appetite for a variety of reasons ranging from poor health to emotional disorders. Medical conditions ranging from mouth sores to digestive disorders can cause a loss of appetite, as can certain medications. Depression and anxiety disorders often create a lack of appetite. While dieters may consider a loss of appetite a boon, you should see a doctor to determine the causes of your lack of interest in eating before you experience any nutritional deficiencies that can create further complications.
Illness
Chronic illnesses, such as hypothyroidism, cancer, chronic kidney or liver failure, infections and HIV, commonly include loss of appetite as a side effect. Doctors at the National Institutes of Health report that when the illness is treated, appetite typically returns to normal.
Dental
When patients have trouble chewing because of ill-fitting dentures or tooth pain, they often lose the desire to eat.
Taste
After a recent surgery or hospitalization, patients often lose their taste buds and smell sensations for a while and don't want to eat. When put on a restrictive diet, many patients lose their appetite because they don't like the foods they must eat. Fat and salt often are restricted in those with diabetes or high blood pressure and are often the ingredients that make food enjoyable for may people. While a slight loss of taste and smell is natural with aging, other conditions that can affect taste include sinus problems, medication, smoking and head or throat injuries.
Depression
Emotional issues, such as depression, can cause a loss of appetite. Grief, lack of mobility, loneliness and self-pity add to the depression and further a patient's inability to take care of himself or care about proper nutrition.
Alcoholism
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that alcoholism is a major cause of appetite loss. Alcoholics frequently use drink to replace meals.
Medications
A side effect of many medications is lack of appetite. Some common medicines that cause the phenomena include chemotherapy drugs, digitalis, morphine, antibiotics and cold and cough remedies. Street drugs that cause a loss of appetite include amphetamines and cocaine.
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that results in a loss of appetite. People with anorexia have an intense fear of gaining weight and often end up starving themselves and developing other complications. The brain loses its desire to eat. Symptoms of anorexia include low blood pressure, tooth cavities, interruption of the menstrual cycle and wasting away of fat and muscles.
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