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Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is a decrease in the desire to eat, it can be caused by stress, illness, medication or other underlying health conditions. Loss of appetite can be treated and prevented, consult a healthcare professional if you have persistent or severe loss of appetite or if you have other symptoms.

Loss of appetite Key Points
CausesCancer, Chronic Disease, Anemia, Liver disease
RemediesAvoid unncessary medications, Drinking fluids, Attracted and variety of foods
Preventive OptionsHealthy diet, Managing Stress, Staying active
Treatment OptionsMedications(Megestrol Acetate, Dronabinol), Supportive care, Nutritional Support
SpecialistInternal Medicine Specialist

Loss of appetite refers to a decreased desire to eat or a reduction in the amount of food consumed. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as psychological issues, physical conditions, or medications. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as cancer, anemia, or chronic kidney disease, it can also be a side effect of certain medications or treatments. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and fatigue. In some cases, loss of appetite can be temporary and resolves on its own, but in other cases, it may be a chronic condition that requires medical attention.

Other Symptoms that come with loss of appetite

The main symptom of loss of appetite is a decreased desire to eat or a reduction in the amount of food consumed. Some additional symptoms that may be associated with loss of appetite include in the following.

  1. Weight loss
  2. Fatigue
  3. Nausea
  4. Difficulty concentrating
  5. Mood changes such as depression or anxiety
  6. Stomach pain or discomfort
  7. Constipation
  8. Diarrhea
  9. Dry mouth or tongue
  10. Sore throat
  11. Loss of taste or smell
  12. Reduced interest in cooking or eating

The Types of Loss of appetite

There are several types of loss of appetite, each with its own set of causes and characteristics. Some of the most common types include

  1. Physiological Anorexia: This type of loss of appetite is caused by an underlying medical condition such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, anemia, or HIV/AIDS.
  2. Medication-induced anorexia: This type of loss of appetite is caused by certain medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or chemotherapy drugs.
  3. Psychological anorexia: This type of loss of appetite is caused by psychological factors such as stress, depression, or anxiety.
  4. Idiopathic anorexia: This type of loss of appetite is caused by an unknown or unclear reason.
  5. Anorexia nervosa: This is an eating disorder characterized by the persistent restriction of energy intake leading to extremely low body weight, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.

Conditions that cause Loss of appetite

There are several medical conditions that can cause loss of appetite as a symptom, some examples include:

  1. Cancer: Cancer can cause loss of appetite due to the cancer itself, cancer treatments, or as a side effect of medications. Chronic kidney disease: This condition can cause a loss of appetite due to nausea, vomiting, or changes in taste perception. Anemia: This condition can cause a loss of appetite due to fatigue, weakness or changes in taste perception. HIV/AIDS: This condition can cause a loss of appetite due to changes in taste perception, nausea, or mouth sores. Liver disease: This condition can cause a loss of appetite due to nausea, vomiting or changes in taste perception. Gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastritis, or Ulcerative colitis can cause a loss of appetite due to abdominal pain, discomfort or changes in taste perception.

Diagnostic Tests for Loss of appetite

The diagnosis of loss of appetite typically begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient's symptoms and medical history.

  • Blood tests
  • Stool test
  • Imaging tests
  • Endoscopy
  • Biopsy

Treatment for Loss of appetite

Treatment for loss of appetite typically depends on the underlying cause, but some general treatment options include:

  • Treating the underlying condition: If the loss of appetite is caused by an underlying medical condition, treating that condition can help to improve appetite.
  • Medications: There are several medications that can be used to increase appetite, such as Megestrol acetate or Dronabinol, but they should be prescribed by a healthcare professional.
  • Nutritional support: A healthcare professional may recommend a high-calorie, high-protein diet, or a dietary supplement to help maintain weight and prevent malnutrition.
  • Behavioral therapy: This type of therapy can help to teach people how to relax the pelvic floor muscles and improve muscle control, which can help to relieve bloating.
  • Supportive care: A healthcare professional may recommend psychological support or counseling to help people cope with emotional or psychological causes of loss of appetite.
  • It's important to note that these are general treatment options, and the specific treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of the loss of appetite. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Preventive Care for Loss of appetite

Preventive measures for loss of appetite include:

  • Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help to prevent loss of appetite.
  • Managing stress: Stress can cause changes in appetite, so finding ways to manage stress such as through exercise, meditation, or therapy can help to prevent loss of appetite.
  • Avoiding certain medications: Some medications can cause loss of appetite as a side effect, so avoiding these medications or switching to a different medication may help to prevent loss of appetite.
  • Staying active: Regular physical activity can help to maintain a healthy appetite.
  • Drinking enough fluids: Drinking enough fluids can help to prevent dehydration, which can cause changes in taste perception and lead to loss of appetite.
  • Identifying and treating underlying conditions: If you have a chronic condition such as cancer or chronic kidney disease, it's important to work with your healthcare professional to manage the condition and prevent the loss of appetite.

When to see a doctor

It's a good idea to see a healthcare professional if you have persistent loss of appetite or any of the following symptoms:

  • Loss of appetite that lasts more than a few days
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing
  • Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Unexpected fever or chills
  • Persistent constipation or diarrhea
  • Dry mouth or tongue
  • Sore throat
  • Loss of taste or smell

Loss of appetite Doctors

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If you have loss of appetite and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified loss of appetite doctor. A doctor specializing in treating loss of appetite, such as a Internal Medicine Specialist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for loss of appetite. You can book an appointment with one to start your loss of appetite treatment today.

Dr. JS Guleria, Internal Medicine Specialist in

Dr. JS Guleria

Consultant - Internal Medicine

67 Years of experience

5 Feedbacks

Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, New Delhi, Delhi NCR

Rs. 2,000 Consult Fees

Dr. VK Bhargava, Internal Medicine Specialist in

Dr. VK Bhargava

Consultant - Internal Medicine

53 Years of experience

Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees

Dr. Altaf Patel, Internal Medicine Specialist in

Dr. Altaf Patel

Director - Internal Medicine

49 Years of experience

3 Feedbacks

Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai

Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees

Loss of appetite Hospitals

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your loss of appetite. If you are experiencing loss of appetite In that case, it is important to visit a loss of appetite hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for loss of appetite treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars(1681 Reviews)

Established in 1918

🛌345 Beds

https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/45663/original/Anil_Karapurkar.webp?1682695579https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/62022/original/Madhav_Kamat.webp?1682696472https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/45874/original/Bhupendra_Gandhi.webp?1682695590https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/62633/original/Gustad_B_Daver.webp?1682696506https://cdn.credihealth.com/system/images/assets/63645/original/Vijay_N_Khambhati.webp?1682696564 5+ Doctors
Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars(12 Reviews)

Established in 1940

🛌220 Beds

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Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Super Speciality Hospital

4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars(1134 Reviews)

Established in 1950

🛌350 Beds

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about loss of appetite.

Is loss of appetite a sign of serious illness?

Not always. Loss of appetite can be a symptom of serious illness such as cancer or chronic kidney disease, but it can also be caused by less serious conditions such as dietary choices or psychological factors.

What causes a loss of appetite?

A loss of appetite can be caused by various factors such as illness, stress, medication, or changes in metabolism due to aging.

Can loss of appetite be treated with over-the-counter medication?

No, loss of appetite caused by an underlying medical condition or medication requires proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional.

What are the signs of loss of appetite?

Signs of loss of appetite can include a decreased interest in food, feeling full after eating small amounts, unintended weight loss, and fatigue.

Can loss of appetite be prevented?

In most cases, loss of appetite can be prevented by addressing the underlying cause and making dietary and lifestyle changes such as managing stress, avoiding certain medications, and staying active.

What to do when you lose appetite?

If you experience a loss of appetite, it's important to focus on eating small, nutrient-dense meals, staying hydrated, and consulting with a healthcare professional to determine any underlying causes and potential treatment options.

Loss of appetite Patient Reviews

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Reviews by patients on different.

Loss of appetiteReview 1

Md Ruhul Amin,

Medanta The Medicity

Dr. Pranaw Kumar Jha sir is the best Nephrologist in not only Medanta hospital but also all over india. He is GOD for me. People says that doctor is the 2nd God for us I belief that when I came to medanta hospital & personally meet him..... Each & every person are very comfortable & helpfull in this. Actually I came to medanta hopital for my Mother Kidney disease but Dr. Pranaw Kumar Jha sir traeat all of my mother problems. Each & every diseases will just vanish. Therefore I recommend all of you If you faced any kind of problem at least one time contact or meet to Dr. Pranaw Kumar sir...Thank you so Much for your support & 100 % secure .Thank you so much !!

Loss of appetiteReview 2

Soma Ghosh

One of the best internal medicine doctors I have ever visited is Dr. Srimathy venkatesh. Her clinical eye and digonostic capability are higher most of the doctors. Her behavior and tratment plans are extraordinary for her 30 years of experience. We are highly satisfied and hounered to get her as our family health ambassador.

Loss of appetiteReview 3

Bhavna Sharma

Medanta The Medicity

I have been visiting Dr Prasad for over 1 year for my asthma. Dr Prasad has been very humble and has always guided me through this problem. Especially with the pollution increasing, I 've been very worried about my condition. He has provided me with a proper treatment plan and also readily available.

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