5 Major Reasons You Feel Loss Of Appetite

The excitement of eating, cooking, or dining out is uncontainable for many of us. Of course, food is pivotal for survival, and everyone should look forward to eating. But this is not always the case. In the 21st century, more and more people are highly concerned about their health and weight. This has brought much attention to food and its role in life.

In light of this, you should not be surprised to easily find hundreds if not thousands of articles on healthy and clean eating, portion control, mindful eating, etc. That said, this overshadows the one percent of people who struggle with a decreased appetite. It is natural to lose one’s appetite for a short duration but not long term. So what do you do when you have long-term appetite loss? What are the causes and effects? Should you eat even if you do not feel like eating?

# High-Stress Levels

Stress is inevitable in our lives as it is a natural physical response. It is not always bad because it can increase your awareness and alertness to certain situations. However, for the majority of people, stress is a nightmare.

Short-term stress triggers your body to release adrenaline, slowing digestion, and decreasing appetite. This means you may not feel like eating anything during this period. On the flip side, long-term stress, which most people experience, has the opposite effects.

# Depression

Unfortunately, depression is one of the most common mental disorders in today’s society. Its effects vary as it influences people differently. The underlying factor is that severe depression can lead to lost interest in food. That said, it would be best to talk to a professional if you experience a loss in appetite and other symptoms like changes in your mood.

# Anemia

Anemia is primarily characterized by a low count of red blood cells. Red blood cells are tasked with oxygen transportation in your body. When trying to be active on fewer blood cells, you experience fatigue and a decreased appetite.

BetterMe recommends talking to your doctor if you report any of these or other symptoms that might indicate an underlying issue. Do not take any supplements or medications without consultation, even if you exhibit all the signs of anemia.

# Medications

One of the side effects of some medications like antibiotics, relaxants, and medicines used to treat depression and high blood pressure cause loss of appetite. With this in mind, do not blame yourself if you experience this when taking such medication. Instead, be sure to talk to your doctor if you feel the need to change or stop using them in case of extreme loss of appetite.

# A Cold or Flu

When you get the flu or cold, your body demands more energy to fight against these conditions. In the process, it releases cytokines. These are hormones that increase your fatigue levels and decrease your appetite.

Despite the decreased appetite, you still need to eat to provide your body with the energy it needs to perform different functions. Additionally, eating during this period is crucial to support and boost your immune system.