Appetite - decreased
Definition
Appetite is the desire to eat. A decreased appetite is when you have a reduced desire to eat. This occurs despite the body's basic caloric (energy) needs.
Alternative Names
Loss of appetite; Decreased appetiteConsiderations
Any illness can affect a previously hearty appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured.
Loss of appetite can cause unintentional weight loss.
Depression in the elderly is a common cause of weight loss that is not explained by other factors.
Causes
- Emotional upset, nervousness, loneliness, boredom, tension, anxiety, bereavement, and depression
- Anorexia nervosa
- Acute and chronic infections
- HIV
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
- Cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Medications and street drugs
- Chemotherapeutic agents
- Amphetamines
- Sympathomimetics including ephedrine
- Antibiotics
- Cough and cold preparations
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Demerol
- Digitalis
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