Loss of appetite; Decreased appetite; Anorexia DefinitionA decreased appetite is when your desire to eat is reduced. The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia. ConsiderationsAny illness can reduce appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured. Loss of appetite can cause weight loss. CausesA decreased appetite is often seen in older adults. Often, no physical cause is found. Emotions such as sadness, depression, or grief can lead to a loss of appetite. Cancer can also cause decreased appetite. You may lose weight without trying. Cancers that may cause you to lose your appetite include:
Other causes of decreased appetite include:
Home CarePeople with cancer or a chronic illness that causes weight loss need to increase their protein and calorie intake by eating high-calorie, nutritious snacks or several small meals during the day. Liquid protein drinks may be helpful. Family members should try to supply favorite foods to help stimulate the person's appetite. Keep a record of what you eat and drink for 24 or more hours. This is called a diet history. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your health care provider if you lose more than 10 pounds (4.5 kg) without trying. Seek medical help if decreased appetite occurs along with other signs of depression, drug or alcohol use, or an eating disorder. For loss of appetite caused by medicines, ask your provider about changing the dosage or medicine. Do not stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider. What to Expect at Your Office VisitThe provider will perform a physical exam and will check your height and weight. You'll be asked about diet and medical history. Questions may include:
Tests that may be done include imaging tests, such as x-ray or ultrasound. Blood and urine tests may also be ordered. In cases of severe malnutrition, nutrients are given through a vein (intravenously). This may require a hospital stay. ReferencesMason JB. Nutritional principles and assessment of the gastroenterology patient. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 5. McGee S. Protein-energy malnutrition and weight loss. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 12. Mcquaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123. | |
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Review Date: 7/25/2022 Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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