Why am I never hungry? — A guide to Appetite Loss
Why don’t I feel hungry? Here’s what is making you to feel this way: The desire to eat food is referred to as ‘appetite’. It is your body’s embedded mechanism that ensures adequate nutrient supply. If you had ever guessed that hormones have anything to do with appetite, you’re absolutely right! Ghrelin and leptin are two hormones that help regulate appetite. Ghrelin is an appetite stimulant made in the gut, whereas leptin is an appetite suppressant made by fat cells. A poor appetite or loss of appetite means that you are not hungry, that you are eating much less than usual, or that you are not eating at all. Loss of appetite is not usually a medical condition; rather, it is a symptom of an underlying problem.
No appetite? Here’s the cause —
- Cold & Flu: Temporary loss of appetite can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Common infections, such as the flu or food poisoning, are frequently responsible for appetite loss. When you get sick, your body produces chemicals called cytokines as a part of inflammatory and immune response. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls hunger and satiety, is affected by cytokine release. This suppresses your appetite, reducing your desire to eat.
- Hypothyroidism: As the thyroid gland regulates metabolism in the human body, it influences appetite. When your thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). This causes your body’s metabolism to slow down more than usual, which can also lead to a decrease in appetite. However, you gain weight, simply because you aren’t burning as many calories.
- Pregnancy: Loss of appetite is a common symptom of the first trimester of pregnancy. Morning sickness is a term that refers to nausea and vomiting that can occur at any time of day and is most common during the first trimester. Thus, nausea-related appetite loss is a common cause of pregnancy.
- Psychological factors: The impact of psychological issues like depression, anxiety, stress, and grief on a person’s appetite is substantial. As you frequently lose interest in food, your appetite tends to decline. A decreased appetite has also been connected to boredom.
- Age: Additionally, appetite loss is more common in older adults. The digestive system, as well as the senses of taste and smell, are among the physiological alterations brought on by ageing that can impact appetite. Older people have slower gastric emptying, which prolongs satiation and reduces appetite by causing food to stay in the stomach for longer period of time. The loss of appetite is also brought on by dental and swallowing problems.
- Underlying medical condition: A loss of appetite can result from long-term medical conditions for a variety of reasons, each of which has a different effect. You lose your appetite simply because of a migraine. Moreover, nausea and vomiting are additional migraine side effects. Also, people with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to lose their appetite due to gastroparesis, a condition where food moves through the digestive system too slowly. Additionally, the conditions that affect the gut, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can affect the appetite by causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and gut spasms that make you feel deprived of food.
- Medications: Many medications frequently cause an appetite loss as a side effect. Sedatives and some antibiotics are among the drugs that frequently result in loss of appetite.
Ways to deal with a lack of appetite —
Depending on the cause, different methods of treatment may be necessary. You won’t typically need a specific treatment for the symptom if the cause is transient or short-lived, like the flu or an infection, as your appetite will quickly return once your infection is treated. It can be challenging to increase your appetite if the reason for your loss of appetite is a medical condition like a chronic illness. Consider focusing on eating 6–8 small meals per day rather than three larger ones. Generally, eating at regular intervals throughout the day promotes a better appetite. Meals that are served in liquid form frequently look palatable if you’re experiencing appetite loss. The nutritional needs cannot be completely satisfied by liquid foods alone, so it is necessary to gradually increase food intake by offering liquid, semisolid, and solid foods. The best lifestyle changes for psychological causes are more restful sleep, a healthier diet, and consistent exercise. Sometimes, appetite is also increased by light exercise, like a quick walk. Continue to consume plenty of liquids to avoid becoming dehydrated. However, enjoying food by cooking your most-liked foods or dining with family and friends can encourage eating.
A poor appetite is brought on by a decrease in your desire to eat, a loss of interest in food, or a feeling of nausea at the thought of eating. Numerous conditions, including those caused by physical or mental illnesses, can all lead to a decline in appetite. It is frequently only transient due to ailments like infections or digestive issues, and once a person has recovered, their appetite will return. Eating small, frequent meals, and having a regular eating schedule will generally increase your appetite. Always enjoy your meals with your family and friends. Changes in your way of life, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthier, and exercising regularly, can help you manage your appetite better! 😊
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/appetite-decreased
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324011
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/ss/slideshow-reasons-not-hungry
https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/eating-problems/poor-appetite.html
