You may also want to try liquid protein drinks. To ensure you’re getting enough nutrients from food, meals should be high in calories and protein. Light exercise may also help increase appetite. Eating frequent small meals can also be helpful, and these are usually easier on the stomach than large meals. To help handle your lack of appetite, you might consider focusing on eating just one large meal per day, with light snacks in between. However, taking pleasure from food by eating with family and friends, cooking your favorite foods, or going out to eat at restaurants may help to encourage eating. If loss of appetite is due to a medical condition such as cancer or chronic illness, it can be difficult to stimulate your appetite. If the cause is a bacterial or viral infection, you won’t usually require specific treatment for the symptom, as your appetite will quickly return once your infection is cured. Treatment for a decreased appetite will depend on its cause. Some prescription medications that reduce appetite include:

These include illicit drugs - such as cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines - along with prescribed medications. Some medications and drugs may reduce your appetite. Pregnancy can also cause a loss of appetite during the first trimester.

The following medical conditions may cause your appetite to decrease:Ĭancer can also cause loss of appetite, particularly if the cancer is concentrated in the following areas: Anorexia nervosa can also cause malnutrition. People who have this condition are typically underweight and have a fear of gaining weight. A person with anorexia nervosa undergoes self-starvation or other methods to lose weight. Boredom and stress have also been linked to a decreased appetite.Įating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, can also lead to a decreased appetite overall. Your appetite may also tend to decrease when you’re sad, depressed, grieving, or anxious.

Many older adults lose their appetites, though experts aren’t exactly sure why. There are various psychological causes for a decreased appetite. Here are just a few of what it could result from:Īfter proper treatment for the illness, your appetite will return. Loss of appetite can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or other infections at any location. In most cases, your appetite will return to normal once the underlying condition or reason is treated. A number of conditions can lead to a decreased appetite.

Appetites & Vices by Felicia Grossman