Why Don’t I Have an Appetite?

Sep 21, 2021 · 4

As we age, it's not uncommon for our appetites to change. Some older adults may find that they don't feel hungry as often as they used to, or they may not be interested in eating the foods they once enjoyed. This can be concerning for both the individual and their loved ones, as proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

There are several reasons why older adults may experience a decreased appetite. Some of these factors may be related to physical changes in the body, such as a slower metabolism or changes in hormones. Other factors may be related to lifestyle changes, such as a decrease in physical activity or changes in daily routines. Understanding the reasons behind a decreased appetite can help older adults and their caregivers take steps to address the issue and ensure that they are getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy.

14 Reasons for Appetite Loss

Stress

Too much stress can lead to a host of problems. One of the most common is loss of appetite, which makes sense considering how many other physical symptoms stress causes like fatigue and headaches. Stress also affects your gut microbiome in negative ways that could make you feel nauseous or bloated more often than not.

Need help with stress? Check out our post - 11 Healthy Ways to Ease Your Stress!
Medication Side Effects

Many medications list "loss of appetite" as one potential side effect. If medication side effects make you lose your appetite, then talk with your doctor about possible solutions! Check out this list of drugs that may cause loss of appetite to learn more!
Depression

Depression can cause some people to eat less while others end up overeating due to emotional triggers for comfort eating. Loss of interest in food is usually associated with depression and a loss of pleasure from eating. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, please speak with a professional.
Stomach Disorders

Certain stomach disorders can cause you to lose your appetite too, which is one more good reason for those diagnosed with an illness like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) to see a doctor and follow their treatment plan!
Hormonal Imbalance

So many factors play into appetite, and hormonal imbalances might be one that surprises you. Women, in particular, experience this issue when they enter menopause or anytime during perimenopause since the fluctuating hormones can cause them to feel hungrier than usual before their periods each month.
Alcohol and Drugs Usage

Alcohol and drug usage can lead to loss of appetite, too. This is especially common for people who suffer from addiction since the substance itself might cause them not to feel hungry or thirsty!
Grief

Grief can also lead to loss of appetite, which is entirely understandable after experiencing the death of someone close. People tend to eat less and lose weight during the first year of grief - usually gaining it back by the second anniversary (which indicates that they're starting to adjust emotionally). However, it is important to remember that grief can cause appetite loss, so don't be too concerned if you've lost your appetite after the death of a loved one.
Lack of Sleep

No one wants sleep deprivation, but it's something many people deal with in today's busy world. This lack of restful shut-eye makes some lose their appetite. In contrast, others might overeat without realizing it due to fatigue and changes in blood sugar levels throughout the day! In addition, too little sleep can lead to poor food choices or cravings for foods high in fat or carbohydrates - both of which increase the risk for obesity long-term. Eating disorders like binge eating disorder (BED) may also develop from chronic lack of quality sleep.
Trouble with Digestion

If you eat a lot of junk food or drink alcohol, then your digestive system might be having trouble processing it all. This can lead to indigestion, bloating, and gas that leaves some people feeling nauseous instead of hungry - which is why they lose their appetite!
Smoking Cigarettes

If someone wants to quit smoking cigarettes, nicotine replacement therapies are available like the patch, gum, lozenges, etc. But make sure not to use them for long periods. Otherwise, weight gain may occur since many smokers who try to stop using these products will eventually turn back to regular cigarettes because they become so addicted due to a lack of appetite. Need tips to help kick a bad habit - click here!
Feel Anxious?

Anxiety can lead to loss of appetite, which is yet another reason for some people not to smoke. Smoking cigarettes will make them feel more relaxed and calm rather than nervous - even though it's harmful to the body! Anxiety attacks are a common trigger for those who suffer from anxiety disorders, too. Managing symptoms with therapy or medication might help you fight back to feeling strong again and having an appetite if this symptom has been impacting you lately!

Click here to learn more about how to identify and manage anxiety in aging!
Food Allergies and Sensitivities

The next time you feel like your appetite is lower than normal, get checked out by a doctor to make sure it's not one of the many medical conditions that can cause an issue. Some people have food allergies or sensitivities that might be leading them to lose their appetites, too!
Vitamin B12 Deficiency

You might be deficient in Vitamin B12 if you find yourself losing your appetite - especially when it's combined with other symptoms like weakness, tiredness, or sore tongue. This is a serious condition that requires treatment by way of injections, which boosts energy levels and helps to restore appetite, among other things! Avoid this problem altogether by eating meat regularly since the primary source comes from animals. Iron-fortified cereals are another great option too!
Infections & Inflammation in the Body

Infections can also lead people to lose their appetites due to inflammation throughout the body, causing them not to feel hungry. Still, there could be hidden infections inside that need medical attention instead of being left alone without any treatment since it could lead to more severe problems down the line.

These are just some of the many reasons people lose their appetites. There's always a cause for any symptom - even if you aren't sure what that is! So please don't suffer in silence. Find out now before your appetite loss worsens. Make discovering an underlying condition easier on yourself by getting checked out by a doctor regularly!