Loss of appetite is a disease that has spread recently. It means a clear drop in appetite that threatens overall health. It can be linked to physical or mental illness. If you notice some symptoms like quick weight loss, poor nutrition, it's important to know the causes of loss of appetite so you can treat it, and today at Fitness Garage we will show those causes.
What causes loss of appetite?
There are some reasons for loss of appetite, and if treated, your appetite can come back to normal. The causes are:
First cause: bacteria and viruses
Loss of appetite can happen due to bacterial, viral, fungal infections, or other inflammations, and the results of this are:
- Pneumonia
- Gastritis and intestinal inflammation.
- Colitis.
- Skin infection.
- Meningitis.
After proper treatment of the illness, your appetite will return.
Second reason: Psychological causes
There are psychological reasons that can lower your appetite. Many elderly lose their appetite, which can be due to sadness or a sign of depression. Also, eating disorders can cause loss of appetite. It's called anorexia nervosa, self-starvation to lose weight. It can result in malnutrition.
Third reason: Medical conditions
Some medical conditions can lower appetite, and they are:
- Chronic liver disease.
- Kidney failure.
- Heart failure.
- Hepatitis.
- Thyroid gland failure.
Cancer can cause loss of appetite when it’s focused in these areas:
- Colon.
- Stomach.
- Ovaries.
- Pancreas.
- Loss of appetite happens in the first three months of pregnancy.
Drugs that cause loss of appetite.
Some meds and drugs can lower your appetite. These include:
- Some antibiotics.
- Codeine.
- Morphine.
- Chemotherapy drugs.
When emergency treatment is needed
You should see your doctor if your weight is dropping fast, And loss of appetite can be due to depression or heavy drinkingOr eating disorder, so tell your doctor about these reasons.
How do you treat loss of appetite?
The treatment for loss of appetite depends on the cause. If it's a bacterial or viral infection, the cause is treated first and your appetite will return. But there are some steps that help recovery, like these:
- Home care: If the loss of appetite is due to cancer or a chronic illness, there might be ways to stimulate appetite, like eating with family, cooking with friends, or eating at your favorite restaurant. Also, focusing on having one big meal a day can help.
- Exercise: Exercise helps open the appetite and makes you feel hungry, but after exercising you should eat a meal rich in calories and enough protein.
- Medical care: You should tell your doctor all the symptoms you have, like how much weight you lost, any stressful events during or before that time that might affect your health, and get some tests to check all symptoms and causes like: ultrasound for your belly, full blood count, liver, thyroid, and kidney function tests, esophagus and small intestine exam, and a CT scan of your head.
- Change your routine: Loss of appetite can be caused by depression or eating disorders. Changing your daily routine can help overcome these symptoms. You might need a fitness trainer from Fitness Garage to help change your life routine.
What happens if loss of appetite is not treated?
If the loss of appetite is temporary, you can return to your normal weight quickly. But if the illness lasts longer, symptoms might get worse like:
- Extreme fatigue.
- Severe weight loss.
- Fast heartbeats.
- Fever.
- Skin irritation.
- General feeling of sickness and tiredness.
So you should consult a doctor or nutritionist when you see any symptoms of loss of appetite, find out the cause and treatment, and you can follow the Facebook page of Fitness Garage to learn about healthy and tasty recipes and ways to prepare healthy food.
