But how do you know when your appetite loss is signaling a more serious issue?
In some cases, appetite loss may be a sign of an eating disorder.
This article discusses how appetite loss might be related to eating disorders.
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It also covers some of the other factors that may play a part in appetite loss.
Understanding Eating Disorders
There are many reasons why you might be experiencing a loss in appetite.
Recap
Eating disorders are triggered by a mixture of genetic, social, and environmental factors.
A common misconception is that those dealing withanorexia nervosaare never hungry.
An eating disorder is not merely a loss of appetite, and it is not a diet.
Eating disorders are complex psychiatric disorders that require medical support.
If this describes you, consider reaching out to a mental health care professional or a primary care doctor.
Depression
Depression can lead to changes in your appetite.
For some, that may mean an increase in the desire to eat, particularlycomfort foods.
For others, they may experience dramatically diminished hunger.
There is this lack of motivation to meet their needs.
All of these symptoms may indicate that a depressive disorder might be playing a role in your diminished appetite.
Medication
Your medication regimen may be a factor in a loss of appetite.
These side effects can make food unappealing.
Aging
Another cause of a dwindling desire for food is aging.
This seems to be more common in women and those in the nursing home or assisted living setting.
How excited you are about the food that you have available is a factor in appetite.
Lower Energy
Furthermore, as you age, your energy demands may decline.
This is, in part, because of bone and muscle loss.
On average, it’s possible for you to lose up to 1% of skeletal muscle every year.
Decreased appetite can present a serious risk of nutritional deficiency among older adults.
Loneliness
Many of us associate food with socializing, fun, celebrations, and holidays.
These are things that make food and cooking fun and festive and give meals some emotional significance.
Routinely eating alone can feel boring and dull.
A loss of appetite can be because of a variety of factors.
A sharp drop in food intake can lead to deficiencies in important vitamins and minerals.
And remember, you dont have to be underweight to be at nutritional risk.
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