A diminished sense of hunger, also known as anorexia, can be caused by physiological as well as psychological factors. In some cases, an underlying illness or depression may be the source of the lost appetite. It's always a good idea to consult...
That grumbling sound in the stomach can be a signal not only of hunger, but of a healthy appetite, as well. Sometimes certain medications and underlying medical conditions can cause appetite changes. For example, chemotherapy medications can lower...
Appetite is the natural recurring desire for food. The basic difference between hunger and appetite is that appetite is the need to eat in order to maintain energy balance. Medically, anorexia is the loss of appetite. Loss of appetite can happen...
Lack of appetite can be caused by a variety of things -- illness, cancer treatment and nausea, to name a few. If this is prolonged, you are not getting the nutrition you need, which can be serious if your body is already weakened. There are...
Sometimes people want to increase their appetite because they're underweight, or because they're dealing with an illness or treatment that depletes the appetite. Even recovering from surgery sometimes involves a restricted diet that can leave you...
The only vitamin that has been shown to actually increase appetite is vitamin B9. There is a large selection of dietary supplements on the market that claim to increase appetite. There is no conclusive scientifically supported evidence however,...
Even if your stomach is empty, there may be times when you do not feel like eating. Medications, illnesses or day-to-day stressors can cause loss of appetite. Not eating can cause fatigue, illness and loss of weight. Increase your appetite and...
Building quality muscle requires eating quality food--and plenty of it. "Eating the right foods at the right time in the right amounts helps build muscle," says Frank A. Melfa, author of "Bodybuilding: A Realistic Approach." Melfa advises...
Poor appetite can be a symptom of a deeper physical or psychological problem. Many disorders, including gastrointestinal problems, depression, stress, anorexia and liver disease, may involve loss of appetite, sometimes with life-threatening...
Undernutrition and even malnutrition are serious problems for many elderly, report Dr. Naushira Pandya and registered dietician Cecilia Rokusek of Nova Southeastern University. Illness, medications, a decline in the sense of smell and taste and...
In most cases, parents do not need to worry about a growing child's appetite. As long as the child is at a healthy weight, you don't likely need to be concerned that she is not eating enough. If you are worried that there may be a medical reason...
When you lose your appetite, you may also lose weight. Too much weight loss and decreased nutritional intake can increase your risk of infection, cause weakness and result in other health complications. Decreased appetite can be associated with...
Poor appetite can be a sign of a physical or mental disorder, such as anorexia, cancer and depression. Depending on your age, gender and activity level, your body requires a certain number of calories each day to maintain proper functioning. Herbs...
Loss of appetite can result from diseases, including some types of cancer, physical or emotional stress, and medications and therapies used to treat illnesses. The resulting decrease in food intake often leads to severe weight loss and...
An array of health conditions and medicines can cause you to lose your appetite, from cancer to cough suppressants and antihistamines. You can take a variety of supplements that will increase your appetite. Be aware, however, that these...
Loss of appetite, especially if an individual is ill, can be serious and lead to problems. Not eating leads to a possible lack of nutrients, which can impact the immune system, interfere with healing and weaken the body. To counteract the loss of...
Throughout your pregnancy, you may experience a decrease in appetite for a variety of reasons. In addition to hormonal changes and discomfort, Aviva Jill Romm, author of "The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices,"...
There is a reason why nutritionists encourage eating bright, colorful fruits and vegetables daily. These foods are higher in vitamins and minerals than foods that have lost their color. But some evidence shows that people have carried visual cues,...
A substantial intake of caffeine can decrease appetite in a lot of people, as it upsets the metabolic rate. Unfortunately, this substance is present in many different items of food and drink --- any product containing chocolate will have at least...
Cancer patients often experience reduced appetite as a side effect of treatment or due to emotions, such as sadness, helplessness or fear. Since maintaining proper weight and nutrient intake can support your recovery from cancer, remedying...
If you are trying to gain weight, you will need to increase your portion sizes and eat frequently. This can prove problematic if you aren't feeling hungry. To help resolve this issue, you can use several techniques to increase your appetite. Make...
Many people take multivitamin supplements to help ensure they're getting adequate nutrients despite having a possibly less-than-optimal diet. If you're taking multivitamins, however, you might wonder whether they're to blame for your increased...
Some B vitamins may increase hunger and are specifically used to treat poor appetite. Others may boost energy, elevate blood sugar levels and, theoretically at least, suppress your appetite. Ask your doctor whether you can safely treat a poor...
Appetite loss is a common side effect of cancer treatment, and may occur occasionally or throughout the entire therapy. Drugs used to treat cancer may cause nausea or change the taste of foods, and radiation therapy and surgery may cause problems...
An occasional loss of appetite is normal and usually not a concern. When appetite loss is prolonged or accompanied with weight loss, a visit to the doctor is warranted. Causes of reduced appetite include some illnesses, certain medications,...
Reduced appetite, or reduced willingness to eat, can stem from numerous conditions. While temporary appetite reduction is generally not cause for alarm, serious or long-term symptoms may indicate a medical condition. Common causes, according to...
You may turn to exercise as a means to promote weight loss --- but it's important to remember that intense physical activity can make you feel hungry. If your goal is to lose weight, you might wonder if exercise can work against you instead of for...
A 2004 report by the American Geriatric Society indicated that there is no FDA-approved drug for increasing appetite in the elderly. American Family Physician reports, "Elderly patients with unintentional weight loss are at higher risk for...
A lack of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss. If you suffer from an illness, such as cancer, liver disease, kidney failure or HIV, you need calories to help support treatment. Many elderly people also lose their appetites, causing them...
Anyone know where their thyroid is located? Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck, just below your Adam's apple. Although it weighs less than an ounce, the thyroid gland has an enormous impact on your health....