Appetite Loss Could Be Nothing—or a Sign of Something Serious

APPETITE IS A powerful thing. We’ve all spent some time fantasizing about a giant sushi spread or steak dinner.

But sometimes, your appetite might just … vanish. Sometimes you might even go an entire day without your hunger ever registering. “Appetite is impacted by the body’s needs, circumstances, and mood,” says Trista K. Best, M.P.H., R.D. “This can lead to periods where you simply just aren’t hungry, and that is okay.”

Still, if you’re concerned your appetite is waning, it may be time to book that doctor’s appointment for a formal medical evaluation and to investigate further. Some main reasons people aren’t hungry include stress, illness, lifestyle and medications (more on those later). Keep reading to learn more about the common reasons for appetite loss and how to get your appetite back.

8 Common Causes of Appetite Loss

They rage from the obvious to Huh? Really?

Illness

As if being sick isn’t bad enough.

Acute and chronic illnesses can cause an appetite reduction, says Best. Ditto for common colds and infections.

In general, losing your appetite is common if you have a cold. This is why you sometimes lose weight when you’re sick—you simply just don’t want to eat. Your white blood cells release cytokines that help fight off infection, but these chemicals can also cause a loss of appetite.

In fact, appetite loss could be a symptom of Covid-19. Bacterial infections like pneumonia and strep can also lead to a dip in hunger. Of course, this subsides once you recover.

Stress and Anxiety

You often hear about people who “stress eat” their feelings, but sometimes anxiety can make you lose your appetite too.

One reason is that stress causes your body to release a hormone called epinephrine, also dubbed adrenaline, which temporarily diminishes hunger, according to Harvard Health. However, this loss of appetite is usually short-lived. Persistent stress can cause your body to release cortisol, a hormone that revs up appetite.

Medications

It’s no secret that medications come with a long list of potential side effects. Gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea, are commonly found on prescription warning labels.

And it goes without saying that these side effects can make you lose your appetite. Narcotics like codeine and morphine—as well as some antibiotics—are common appetite killers.

If you’re on a weight loss drug, such as a GLP1 like Ozempic or Monjaro, you will experience a lower appetite. It will take some time to get used to, but it’s nothing to worry about unless you feel like you’re not intaking enough nutrients. If that’s the case, consult your doctor.

Weather

There’s a reason most people crave lighter foods like salad and fresh fruit in the summer. In fact, some people may feel like skipping meals completely when the temperatures rise, according to Vavrek.

“Hot environments can suppress your appetite where cold environments can increase your appetite,” she says.

Your body produces heat when eating. If temperatures are unbearably warm, you’ll feel less inclined to dig into a meal and raise your own internal temperature, Vavrek explains.

Food Choices

In fact, if you’re eating the right amount of two key nutrients at every meal, you may not even get that hungry between meals. Those key nutrients? Protein and fiber.

Experts agree that eating at least 30 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber at each meal will both help you fill up and not overeat during a meal and keep you feeling full until the next—whenever that may be.

Aging

As we get older, our appetite may not be as voracious as it once was.

“Many experience a decrease in hunger as they age,” says Best. “There may also be a loss of interest in food due to a lack of pleasure in eating from taste changes and difficulty eating from poor dentition [the condition and arrangement of your teeth] or dysphagia [difficulty swallowing].”

Overtraining

While you might think working out a ton would make your hunger soar, that’s not always the case. For instance, ever find yourself dreaming of doughnuts before a tough run and then returning home and barely remembering your craving?

Best excessive intense exercise, known as overtraining, can sometimes cause a decrease in appetite.

Hormonal Changes

Another cause of appetite loss is hormonal changes, which can lead to appetite suppression, says Best. Hypothyroidism and adrenal fatigue in particular can reduce hunger. As with other potential factors contributing to appetite loss, if you’re concerned your hormones may be impacting how much food you’re consuming, talk to a trusted healthcare professional like your primary care physician or dietitian.

Lifestyle

A bit of a catchall category: here, we’re referring to everything from your alcohol consumption to how much shut-eye you’re logging. Best says dehydration, irregular eating habits and poor sleep are a few lifestyle factors that can cause a lack of appetite. If you’ve undergone changes in your lifestyle recently—such as starting a new degree or welcoming a newborn—pay special attention to how these new routines in your life are affecting your hunger.

When to See A Doctor About Your Appetite Loss

Sometimes, lack of appetite may signal other medical issues including hypothyroidism, diabetes, or even cancer. Each will likely be present with other symptoms, but signs can be subtle. It’s important to see your doctor if food is always unappealing.

According to Vavrek, you should head to the doctor if you’ve lost weight or gone three to four days without an appetite. It’s important to determine whether an underlying medical condition is at the root of the problem. You’ll also want to remedy the problem quickly because your body will use protein stores as energy, causing you to lose muscle mass.

“It’s very easy to lose muscle and hard to get it back,” she says.

How To Get Appetite Back

You need to eat regardless of how much you want to. If you’re struggling with appetite loss, there’s a few things you can do to get hungry again.

Regularly Schedule Meals. Research has found that appetite control is linked to the circadian rhythms that run on a 24 hour cycle. Eating at the same time everyday can help you maintain an appetite.

Get Excited About Your Food. Find things you’re excited to eat—be it old favorites or something new that you’ve been wanting to try.

Keep Snacks Around. That way, when you do get a quick spark of hunger, you can act on it no matter where you are, the Mayo Clinic says.

Get Your Exercise In. Studies have shown that exercise both increases appetite and increases post-meal satiety. Hit the gym before mealtime if you’re struggling with appetite.

Plan to Eat with Family or Friends. Having someone else to eat with will hold you accountable to your meals, according to the Cleveland Clinic.