It’s the strangest feeling–you feel hungry, but have no desire to eat. This condition can be short term, or sometimes it can last for longer periods. Either way, it can be frustrating and may even be a sign of underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why you might not want to eat, even though you’re hungry–and we’ll let you know when to seek medical attention.
What Does It Mean to Be Hungry Without an Appetite?
Hunger and appetite are related, but aren’t exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference is important.
Hunger “includes a range of feelings that signal the need to eat,” while appetite is “the psychological desire for foods or beverages.”
In other words, hunger is feelings-based. Your body feels hungry. Appetite, on the other hand, is about desire. For example, you’ve planned a special dinner at a restaurant you only visit occasionally. You’re looking forward to eating that meal independent of how hungry you feel at the moment.
That’s why it’s technically possible to feel hungry, but lack an appetite. And not only is it possible, it’s actually surprisingly common.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite
Some of the causes of loss of appetite might be short-term. If you have the flu or a cold, for example, you might not feel like eating, but those conditions will soon pass. Other causes, though, might be chronic, whether physical, psychological, related to medication use, and so on. If your loss of appetite persists for more than a week, you should consult a healthcare provider.
Short-Term Causes
If you’ve lost your appetite for a few days, don’t fret–there may not be any cause for concern. If you have a short-term illness, like a cold or a flu, you may be experiencing a loss of appetite, a common and normal side effect. Once the illness passes, your appetite will likely return.
Your taste and smell play a role in appetite too. A lack of appetite is expected w. Medications–including some antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and opioids– also reduce appetite.
Other reasons for short-term loss of appetite include:
Pain
Anemia (low iron levels)
Migraine
Concussion
If your lack of appetite lasts longer than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider as it may be due to a chronic condition.
Long-Term Causes
Prolonged periods of lack of appetite (think longer than a week) are concerning. Many diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart failure, and their treatments, are linked with appetite loss.
As people age, their appetite may be reduced or even disappear. Changes to hormones, digestive processes, and the senses that accompany aging affect appetite. Reductions in appetite can be a normal part of the aging process.
Those with dementia may have difficulty remembering whether or not they have eaten. They may not know how to interpret their body’s hunger signals.
While physical factors and medications may contribute to appetite loss, it is also important to consider whether any mental health factors are involved.
Mental Health Factors
Appetite and weight changes can be a component of many mental health disorders. These include:
Grief
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
It’s the strangest feeling–you feel hungry, but have no desire to eat. This condition can be short term, or sometimes it can last for longer periods. Either way, it can be frustrating and may even be a sign of underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why you might not want to eat, even though you’re hungry–and we’ll let you know when to seek medical attention.
What Does It Mean to Be Hungry Without an Appetite?
Hunger and appetite are related, but aren’t exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference is important.
Hunger “includes a range of feelings that signal the need to eat,” while appetite is “the psychological desire for foods or beverages.”
In other words, hunger is feelings-based. Your body feels hungry. Appetite, on the other hand, is about desire. For example, you’ve planned a special dinner at a restaurant you only visit occasionally. You’re looking forward to eating that meal independent of how hungry you feel at the moment.
That’s why it’s technically possible to feel hungry, but lack an appetite. And not only is it possible, it’s actually surprisingly common.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite
Some of the causes of loss of appetite might be short-term. If you have the flu or a cold, for example, you might not feel like eating, but those conditions will soon pass. Other causes, though, might be chronic, whether physical, psychological, related to medication use, and so on. If your loss of appetite persists for more than a week, you should consult a healthcare provider.
Short-Term Causes
If you’ve lost your appetite for a few days, don’t fret–there may not be any cause for concern. If you have a short-term illness, like a cold or a flu, you may be experiencing a loss of appetite, a common and normal side effect. Once the illness passes, your appetite will likely return.
Your taste and smell play a role in appetite too. A lack of appetite is expected w. Medications–including some antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and opioids– also reduce appetite.
Other reasons for short-term loss of appetite include:
Pain
Anemia (low iron levels)
Migraine
Concussion
If your lack of appetite lasts longer than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider as it may be due to a chronic condition.
Long-Term Causes
Prolonged periods of lack of appetite (think longer than a week) are concerning. Many diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart failure, and their treatments, are linked with appetite loss.
As people age, their appetite may be reduced or even disappear. Changes to hormones, digestive processes, and the senses that accompany aging affect appetite. Reductions in appetite can be a normal part of the aging process.
Those with dementia may have difficulty remembering whether or not they have eaten. They may not know how to interpret their body’s hunger signals.
While physical factors and medications may contribute to appetite loss, it is also important to consider whether any mental health factors are involved.
Mental Health Factors
Appetite and weight changes can be a component of many mental health disorders. These include:
Grief
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
It’s the strangest feeling–you feel hungry, but have no desire to eat. This condition can be short term, or sometimes it can last for longer periods. Either way, it can be frustrating and may even be a sign of underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why you might not want to eat, even though you’re hungry–and we’ll let you know when to seek medical attention.
What Does It Mean to Be Hungry Without an Appetite?
Hunger and appetite are related, but aren’t exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference is important.
Hunger “includes a range of feelings that signal the need to eat,” while appetite is “the psychological desire for foods or beverages.”
In other words, hunger is feelings-based. Your body feels hungry. Appetite, on the other hand, is about desire. For example, you’ve planned a special dinner at a restaurant you only visit occasionally. You’re looking forward to eating that meal independent of how hungry you feel at the moment.
That’s why it’s technically possible to feel hungry, but lack an appetite. And not only is it possible, it’s actually surprisingly common.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite
Some of the causes of loss of appetite might be short-term. If you have the flu or a cold, for example, you might not feel like eating, but those conditions will soon pass. Other causes, though, might be chronic, whether physical, psychological, related to medication use, and so on. If your loss of appetite persists for more than a week, you should consult a healthcare provider.
Short-Term Causes
If you’ve lost your appetite for a few days, don’t fret–there may not be any cause for concern. If you have a short-term illness, like a cold or a flu, you may be experiencing a loss of appetite, a common and normal side effect. Once the illness passes, your appetite will likely return.
Your taste and smell play a role in appetite too. A lack of appetite is expected w. Medications–including some antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and opioids– also reduce appetite.
Other reasons for short-term loss of appetite include:
Pain
Anemia (low iron levels)
Migraine
Concussion
If your lack of appetite lasts longer than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider as it may be due to a chronic condition.
Long-Term Causes
Prolonged periods of lack of appetite (think longer than a week) are concerning. Many diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart failure, and their treatments, are linked with appetite loss.
As people age, their appetite may be reduced or even disappear. Changes to hormones, digestive processes, and the senses that accompany aging affect appetite. Reductions in appetite can be a normal part of the aging process.
Those with dementia may have difficulty remembering whether or not they have eaten. They may not know how to interpret their body’s hunger signals.
While physical factors and medications may contribute to appetite loss, it is also important to consider whether any mental health factors are involved.
Mental Health Factors
Appetite and weight changes can be a component of many mental health disorders. These include:
Grief
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
It’s the strangest feeling–you feel hungry, but have no desire to eat. This condition can be short term, or sometimes it can last for longer periods. Either way, it can be frustrating and may even be a sign of underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why you might not want to eat, even though you’re hungry–and we’ll let you know when to seek medical attention.
What Does It Mean to Be Hungry Without an Appetite?
Hunger and appetite are related, but aren’t exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference is important.
Hunger “includes a range of feelings that signal the need to eat,” while appetite is “the psychological desire for foods or beverages.”
In other words, hunger is feelings-based. Your body feels hungry. Appetite, on the other hand, is about desire. For example, you’ve planned a special dinner at a restaurant you only visit occasionally. You’re looking forward to eating that meal independent of how hungry you feel at the moment.
That’s why it’s technically possible to feel hungry, but lack an appetite. And not only is it possible, it’s actually surprisingly common.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite
Some of the causes of loss of appetite might be short-term. If you have the flu or a cold, for example, you might not feel like eating, but those conditions will soon pass. Other causes, though, might be chronic, whether physical, psychological, related to medication use, and so on. If your loss of appetite persists for more than a week, you should consult a healthcare provider.
Short-Term Causes
If you’ve lost your appetite for a few days, don’t fret–there may not be any cause for concern. If you have a short-term illness, like a cold or a flu, you may be experiencing a loss of appetite, a common and normal side effect. Once the illness passes, your appetite will likely return.
Your taste and smell play a role in appetite too. A lack of appetite is expected w. Medications–including some antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and opioids– also reduce appetite.
Other reasons for short-term loss of appetite include:
Pain
Anemia (low iron levels)
Migraine
Concussion
If your lack of appetite lasts longer than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider as it may be due to a chronic condition.
Long-Term Causes
Prolonged periods of lack of appetite (think longer than a week) are concerning. Many diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart failure, and their treatments, are linked with appetite loss.
As people age, their appetite may be reduced or even disappear. Changes to hormones, digestive processes, and the senses that accompany aging affect appetite. Reductions in appetite can be a normal part of the aging process.
Those with dementia may have difficulty remembering whether or not they have eaten. They may not know how to interpret their body’s hunger signals.
While physical factors and medications may contribute to appetite loss, it is also important to consider whether any mental health factors are involved.
Mental Health Factors
Appetite and weight changes can be a component of many mental health disorders. These include:
Grief
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
It’s the strangest feeling–you feel hungry, but have no desire to eat. This condition can be short term, or sometimes it can last for longer periods. Either way, it can be frustrating and may even be a sign of underlying health issues. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about why you might not want to eat, even though you’re hungry–and we’ll let you know when to seek medical attention.
What Does It Mean to Be Hungry Without an Appetite?
Hunger and appetite are related, but aren’t exactly the same thing. Understanding the difference is important.
Hunger “includes a range of feelings that signal the need to eat,” while appetite is “the psychological desire for foods or beverages.”
In other words, hunger is feelings-based. Your body feels hungry. Appetite, on the other hand, is about desire. For example, you’ve planned a special dinner at a restaurant you only visit occasionally. You’re looking forward to eating that meal independent of how hungry you feel at the moment.
That’s why it’s technically possible to feel hungry, but lack an appetite. And not only is it possible, it’s actually surprisingly common.
Common Causes of Loss of Appetite
Some of the causes of loss of appetite might be short-term. If you have the flu or a cold, for example, you might not feel like eating, but those conditions will soon pass. Other causes, though, might be chronic, whether physical, psychological, related to medication use, and so on. If your loss of appetite persists for more than a week, you should consult a healthcare provider.
Short-Term Causes
If you’ve lost your appetite for a few days, don’t fret–there may not be any cause for concern. If you have a short-term illness, like a cold or a flu, you may be experiencing a loss of appetite, a common and normal side effect. Once the illness passes, your appetite will likely return.
Your taste and smell play a role in appetite too. A lack of appetite is expected w. Medications–including some antibiotics, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, and opioids– also reduce appetite.
Other reasons for short-term loss of appetite include:
Pain
Anemia (low iron levels)
Migraine
Concussion
If your lack of appetite lasts longer than a few days, reach out to your healthcare provider as it may be due to a chronic condition.
Long-Term Causes
Prolonged periods of lack of appetite (think longer than a week) are concerning. Many diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, and heart failure, and their treatments, are linked with appetite loss.
As people age, their appetite may be reduced or even disappear. Changes to hormones, digestive processes, and the senses that accompany aging affect appetite. Reductions in appetite can be a normal part of the aging process.
Those with dementia may have difficulty remembering whether or not they have eaten. They may not know how to interpret their body’s hunger signals.
While physical factors and medications may contribute to appetite loss, it is also important to consider whether any mental health factors are involved.
Mental Health Factors
Appetite and weight changes can be a component of many mental health disorders. These include:
Grief
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Meet With an Online Registered Dietitian
95% of our patients meet with their dietitian for free.
Is This a Medical Concern?
When to Seek Help
Loss of appetite can be a serious concern that leads to unintentional weight loss. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider if your loss of appetite:
Persists for longer than one week
Causes you to unexpectedly lose weight
Leads to additional symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, weakness, and nausea
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the loss of appetite and develop a plan to address it.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Appetite Loss
Lack of appetite can be caused by a medical condition or the medications used to treat that condition.
For example, someone with diabetes may be taking metformin, a common medication that treats diabetes. Diabetes does not cause appetite loss, but one of metformin’s side effects is loss of appetite.
Appetite loss is also common for people receiving cancer treatments. The medications used for chemotherapy and radiation cause a lack of appetite and may trigger nausea.
Other medical conditions in which appetite loss is common include:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
HIV/AIDS
Heart failure
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD)
How to Stimulate Your Appetite Safely
Eating can be daunting when you lack an appetite. Here are some ideas to help you safely stimulate your appetite.
Dietary Changes
Changing how and when you eat can help you increase the amount you eat and may stimulate your appetite.
Focus On Smaller Meals
Rather than eating three large meals, try having five or six small meals throughout the day. Split up what you usually eat in a single meal and spread it into several smaller ones. For example, you could have a hardboiled egg early, then a piece of toast with butter an hour or two later, followed by yogurt with fruit in another hour or two. Taken together, that’s your breakfast!
Add More Calories Without a Lot of Volume
Look for ways to increase the calories in a meal without adding volume. For each tablespoon of butter used in cooking, 102 calories are added to the meal. Cooking oatmeal with milk rather than water adds 152 calories. Adding one tablespoon of almond butter to a smoothie adds 98 calories.
Avocados are an easy way to add calories without adding much volume. Top a salad with half an avocado to get an additional 160 calories. Sprinkling nuts and seeds over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal can add 220 calories.
Liquid Calories Count, Too
One study showed a fruit smoothie was less filling than a fruit salad. You can use this to your advantage if you have a low or no appetite. Smoothies, or liquid drinks, are an easy way to get in a meal without feeling overly full. High-calorie, high-protein shakes are also an option to keep handy.
You can make your own using whole milk, fruit juice, frozen berries, protein powder, and nut butter.
Addressing Mental Health
If the reason for appetite loss is linked to a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, then seeking counseling with a licensed mental health professional is in order. If working one-on-one with a counselor is not possible, look for in-person or virtual support groups.
Using Supplements
Deficiency of certain vitamins, including thiamin, vitamin B12, and zinc, may decrease appetite. Zinc deficiency can also cause a loss of taste and smell, contributing to a lack of appetite. A registered dietitian can assess your need for a supplement and help you determine an adequate dosage. Still, always consult your healthcare provider before starting a supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
Since eating is challenging when someone lacks an appetite, supplemental nutrition shakes can meet vitamin and mineral needs. Supplemental nutrition shakes include Carnation and Ensure. These shakes are widely available at grocery and drug stores and can be ordered online.
How Season Can Help You Manage Appetite Challenges
If you’re concerned about a lack of appetite, determining how to address it while getting the calories and nutrients you need can be challenging. That’s when a Season Dietitian can help. Our dietitians will take the time to understand your situation, medical concerns, diet, and lifestyle. They will then work with you to develop a plan that gives your body the nutrition it needs while working to re-establish an appetite using foods and meal plans designed not to be burdensome. Contact us today to get started.
Is This a Medical Concern?
When to Seek Help
Loss of appetite can be a serious concern that leads to unintentional weight loss. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider if your loss of appetite:
Persists for longer than one week
Causes you to unexpectedly lose weight
Leads to additional symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, weakness, and nausea
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the loss of appetite and develop a plan to address it.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Appetite Loss
Lack of appetite can be caused by a medical condition or the medications used to treat that condition.
For example, someone with diabetes may be taking metformin, a common medication that treats diabetes. Diabetes does not cause appetite loss, but one of metformin’s side effects is loss of appetite.
Appetite loss is also common for people receiving cancer treatments. The medications used for chemotherapy and radiation cause a lack of appetite and may trigger nausea.
Other medical conditions in which appetite loss is common include:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
HIV/AIDS
Heart failure
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD)
How to Stimulate Your Appetite Safely
Eating can be daunting when you lack an appetite. Here are some ideas to help you safely stimulate your appetite.
Dietary Changes
Changing how and when you eat can help you increase the amount you eat and may stimulate your appetite.
Focus On Smaller Meals
Rather than eating three large meals, try having five or six small meals throughout the day. Split up what you usually eat in a single meal and spread it into several smaller ones. For example, you could have a hardboiled egg early, then a piece of toast with butter an hour or two later, followed by yogurt with fruit in another hour or two. Taken together, that’s your breakfast!
Add More Calories Without a Lot of Volume
Look for ways to increase the calories in a meal without adding volume. For each tablespoon of butter used in cooking, 102 calories are added to the meal. Cooking oatmeal with milk rather than water adds 152 calories. Adding one tablespoon of almond butter to a smoothie adds 98 calories.
Avocados are an easy way to add calories without adding much volume. Top a salad with half an avocado to get an additional 160 calories. Sprinkling nuts and seeds over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal can add 220 calories.
Liquid Calories Count, Too
One study showed a fruit smoothie was less filling than a fruit salad. You can use this to your advantage if you have a low or no appetite. Smoothies, or liquid drinks, are an easy way to get in a meal without feeling overly full. High-calorie, high-protein shakes are also an option to keep handy.
You can make your own using whole milk, fruit juice, frozen berries, protein powder, and nut butter.
Addressing Mental Health
If the reason for appetite loss is linked to a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, then seeking counseling with a licensed mental health professional is in order. If working one-on-one with a counselor is not possible, look for in-person or virtual support groups.
Using Supplements
Deficiency of certain vitamins, including thiamin, vitamin B12, and zinc, may decrease appetite. Zinc deficiency can also cause a loss of taste and smell, contributing to a lack of appetite. A registered dietitian can assess your need for a supplement and help you determine an adequate dosage. Still, always consult your healthcare provider before starting a supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
Since eating is challenging when someone lacks an appetite, supplemental nutrition shakes can meet vitamin and mineral needs. Supplemental nutrition shakes include Carnation and Ensure. These shakes are widely available at grocery and drug stores and can be ordered online.
How Season Can Help You Manage Appetite Challenges
If you’re concerned about a lack of appetite, determining how to address it while getting the calories and nutrients you need can be challenging. That’s when a Season Dietitian can help. Our dietitians will take the time to understand your situation, medical concerns, diet, and lifestyle. They will then work with you to develop a plan that gives your body the nutrition it needs while working to re-establish an appetite using foods and meal plans designed not to be burdensome. Contact us today to get started.
Is This a Medical Concern?
When to Seek Help
Loss of appetite can be a serious concern that leads to unintentional weight loss. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider if your loss of appetite:
Persists for longer than one week
Causes you to unexpectedly lose weight
Leads to additional symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, weakness, and nausea
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the loss of appetite and develop a plan to address it.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Appetite Loss
Lack of appetite can be caused by a medical condition or the medications used to treat that condition.
For example, someone with diabetes may be taking metformin, a common medication that treats diabetes. Diabetes does not cause appetite loss, but one of metformin’s side effects is loss of appetite.
Appetite loss is also common for people receiving cancer treatments. The medications used for chemotherapy and radiation cause a lack of appetite and may trigger nausea.
Other medical conditions in which appetite loss is common include:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
HIV/AIDS
Heart failure
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD)
How to Stimulate Your Appetite Safely
Eating can be daunting when you lack an appetite. Here are some ideas to help you safely stimulate your appetite.
Dietary Changes
Changing how and when you eat can help you increase the amount you eat and may stimulate your appetite.
Focus On Smaller Meals
Rather than eating three large meals, try having five or six small meals throughout the day. Split up what you usually eat in a single meal and spread it into several smaller ones. For example, you could have a hardboiled egg early, then a piece of toast with butter an hour or two later, followed by yogurt with fruit in another hour or two. Taken together, that’s your breakfast!
Add More Calories Without a Lot of Volume
Look for ways to increase the calories in a meal without adding volume. For each tablespoon of butter used in cooking, 102 calories are added to the meal. Cooking oatmeal with milk rather than water adds 152 calories. Adding one tablespoon of almond butter to a smoothie adds 98 calories.
Avocados are an easy way to add calories without adding much volume. Top a salad with half an avocado to get an additional 160 calories. Sprinkling nuts and seeds over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal can add 220 calories.
Liquid Calories Count, Too
One study showed a fruit smoothie was less filling than a fruit salad. You can use this to your advantage if you have a low or no appetite. Smoothies, or liquid drinks, are an easy way to get in a meal without feeling overly full. High-calorie, high-protein shakes are also an option to keep handy.
You can make your own using whole milk, fruit juice, frozen berries, protein powder, and nut butter.
Addressing Mental Health
If the reason for appetite loss is linked to a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, then seeking counseling with a licensed mental health professional is in order. If working one-on-one with a counselor is not possible, look for in-person or virtual support groups.
Using Supplements
Deficiency of certain vitamins, including thiamin, vitamin B12, and zinc, may decrease appetite. Zinc deficiency can also cause a loss of taste and smell, contributing to a lack of appetite. A registered dietitian can assess your need for a supplement and help you determine an adequate dosage. Still, always consult your healthcare provider before starting a supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
Since eating is challenging when someone lacks an appetite, supplemental nutrition shakes can meet vitamin and mineral needs. Supplemental nutrition shakes include Carnation and Ensure. These shakes are widely available at grocery and drug stores and can be ordered online.
How Season Can Help You Manage Appetite Challenges
If you’re concerned about a lack of appetite, determining how to address it while getting the calories and nutrients you need can be challenging. That’s when a Season Dietitian can help. Our dietitians will take the time to understand your situation, medical concerns, diet, and lifestyle. They will then work with you to develop a plan that gives your body the nutrition it needs while working to re-establish an appetite using foods and meal plans designed not to be burdensome. Contact us today to get started.
Is This a Medical Concern?
When to Seek Help
Loss of appetite can be a serious concern that leads to unintentional weight loss. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider if your loss of appetite:
Persists for longer than one week
Causes you to unexpectedly lose weight
Leads to additional symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, weakness, and nausea
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the loss of appetite and develop a plan to address it.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Appetite Loss
Lack of appetite can be caused by a medical condition or the medications used to treat that condition.
For example, someone with diabetes may be taking metformin, a common medication that treats diabetes. Diabetes does not cause appetite loss, but one of metformin’s side effects is loss of appetite.
Appetite loss is also common for people receiving cancer treatments. The medications used for chemotherapy and radiation cause a lack of appetite and may trigger nausea.
Other medical conditions in which appetite loss is common include:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
HIV/AIDS
Heart failure
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD)
How to Stimulate Your Appetite Safely
Eating can be daunting when you lack an appetite. Here are some ideas to help you safely stimulate your appetite.
Dietary Changes
Changing how and when you eat can help you increase the amount you eat and may stimulate your appetite.
Focus On Smaller Meals
Rather than eating three large meals, try having five or six small meals throughout the day. Split up what you usually eat in a single meal and spread it into several smaller ones. For example, you could have a hardboiled egg early, then a piece of toast with butter an hour or two later, followed by yogurt with fruit in another hour or two. Taken together, that’s your breakfast!
Add More Calories Without a Lot of Volume
Look for ways to increase the calories in a meal without adding volume. For each tablespoon of butter used in cooking, 102 calories are added to the meal. Cooking oatmeal with milk rather than water adds 152 calories. Adding one tablespoon of almond butter to a smoothie adds 98 calories.
Avocados are an easy way to add calories without adding much volume. Top a salad with half an avocado to get an additional 160 calories. Sprinkling nuts and seeds over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal can add 220 calories.
Liquid Calories Count, Too
One study showed a fruit smoothie was less filling than a fruit salad. You can use this to your advantage if you have a low or no appetite. Smoothies, or liquid drinks, are an easy way to get in a meal without feeling overly full. High-calorie, high-protein shakes are also an option to keep handy.
You can make your own using whole milk, fruit juice, frozen berries, protein powder, and nut butter.
Addressing Mental Health
If the reason for appetite loss is linked to a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, then seeking counseling with a licensed mental health professional is in order. If working one-on-one with a counselor is not possible, look for in-person or virtual support groups.
Using Supplements
Deficiency of certain vitamins, including thiamin, vitamin B12, and zinc, may decrease appetite. Zinc deficiency can also cause a loss of taste and smell, contributing to a lack of appetite. A registered dietitian can assess your need for a supplement and help you determine an adequate dosage. Still, always consult your healthcare provider before starting a supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
Since eating is challenging when someone lacks an appetite, supplemental nutrition shakes can meet vitamin and mineral needs. Supplemental nutrition shakes include Carnation and Ensure. These shakes are widely available at grocery and drug stores and can be ordered online.
How Season Can Help You Manage Appetite Challenges
If you’re concerned about a lack of appetite, determining how to address it while getting the calories and nutrients you need can be challenging. That’s when a Season Dietitian can help. Our dietitians will take the time to understand your situation, medical concerns, diet, and lifestyle. They will then work with you to develop a plan that gives your body the nutrition it needs while working to re-establish an appetite using foods and meal plans designed not to be burdensome. Contact us today to get started.
Is This a Medical Concern?
When to Seek Help
Loss of appetite can be a serious concern that leads to unintentional weight loss. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider if your loss of appetite:
Persists for longer than one week
Causes you to unexpectedly lose weight
Leads to additional symptoms, such as rapid heart rate, irritability, fatigue, weakness, and nausea
Your healthcare provider can help determine the cause of the loss of appetite and develop a plan to address it.
Medical Conditions That May Cause Appetite Loss
Lack of appetite can be caused by a medical condition or the medications used to treat that condition.
For example, someone with diabetes may be taking metformin, a common medication that treats diabetes. Diabetes does not cause appetite loss, but one of metformin’s side effects is loss of appetite.
Appetite loss is also common for people receiving cancer treatments. The medications used for chemotherapy and radiation cause a lack of appetite and may trigger nausea.
Other medical conditions in which appetite loss is common include:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
HIV/AIDS
Heart failure
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Hypothyroidism
Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBD)
How to Stimulate Your Appetite Safely
Eating can be daunting when you lack an appetite. Here are some ideas to help you safely stimulate your appetite.
Dietary Changes
Changing how and when you eat can help you increase the amount you eat and may stimulate your appetite.
Focus On Smaller Meals
Rather than eating three large meals, try having five or six small meals throughout the day. Split up what you usually eat in a single meal and spread it into several smaller ones. For example, you could have a hardboiled egg early, then a piece of toast with butter an hour or two later, followed by yogurt with fruit in another hour or two. Taken together, that’s your breakfast!
Add More Calories Without a Lot of Volume
Look for ways to increase the calories in a meal without adding volume. For each tablespoon of butter used in cooking, 102 calories are added to the meal. Cooking oatmeal with milk rather than water adds 152 calories. Adding one tablespoon of almond butter to a smoothie adds 98 calories.
Avocados are an easy way to add calories without adding much volume. Top a salad with half an avocado to get an additional 160 calories. Sprinkling nuts and seeds over salads, yogurt, or oatmeal can add 220 calories.
Liquid Calories Count, Too
One study showed a fruit smoothie was less filling than a fruit salad. You can use this to your advantage if you have a low or no appetite. Smoothies, or liquid drinks, are an easy way to get in a meal without feeling overly full. High-calorie, high-protein shakes are also an option to keep handy.
You can make your own using whole milk, fruit juice, frozen berries, protein powder, and nut butter.
Addressing Mental Health
If the reason for appetite loss is linked to a mental health issue like depression or anxiety, then seeking counseling with a licensed mental health professional is in order. If working one-on-one with a counselor is not possible, look for in-person or virtual support groups.
Using Supplements
Deficiency of certain vitamins, including thiamin, vitamin B12, and zinc, may decrease appetite. Zinc deficiency can also cause a loss of taste and smell, contributing to a lack of appetite. A registered dietitian can assess your need for a supplement and help you determine an adequate dosage. Still, always consult your healthcare provider before starting a supplement to ensure it will be safe and effective for you.
Since eating is challenging when someone lacks an appetite, supplemental nutrition shakes can meet vitamin and mineral needs. Supplemental nutrition shakes include Carnation and Ensure. These shakes are widely available at grocery and drug stores and can be ordered online.
How Season Can Help You Manage Appetite Challenges
If you’re concerned about a lack of appetite, determining how to address it while getting the calories and nutrients you need can be challenging. That’s when a Season Dietitian can help. Our dietitians will take the time to understand your situation, medical concerns, diet, and lifestyle. They will then work with you to develop a plan that gives your body the nutrition it needs while working to re-establish an appetite using foods and meal plans designed not to be burdensome. Contact us today to get started.
