Appetite is a natural desire or need for food. Although an appetite out of control can be a problem, a good appetite is most often a sign of health and well-being.

What is appetite?

Appetite is a natural desire or need for food. Although an appetite out of control can be a problem, a good appetite is most often a sign of health and well-being.  Loss of appetite can cause health problems if you stop eating a healthy diet. Most often, loss of appetite is not a symptom of a serious disease. However, it can be a sign of illness.

What causes a loss of appetite?

You may lose interest in food because of:

• Some medicines that affect appetite
• Depression
• Illness (gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, others)
• Pain
• A reduced sense of taste and smell, especially as you get older

What are the symptoms that might be caused by a loss of appetite?

Symptoms of problems caused by not eating enough healthy food may include:

• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Changes in your skin, hair or nails because you are not getting the nutrients you need
• Constipation from not eating enough fiber

Any unexplained appetite loss that lasts longer than a week could be a sign of a more serious problem.

How is it treated?

The first thing you should do is discuss the problem with your physician. They will help you develop a plan of care to address the contributing factors.

The approach will usually be multidimensional, focusing on symptom management, nutritional support and medications. Medications are available that may help patients to increase their appetite and gain weight.