Lack of appetite: know the main causes and what to do in each case

Not feeling like eating can be linked to several reasons, from emotional to chronic diseases. Do you suffer from a lack of appetite and don’t know what to do to get it back? Check out the main causes of this problem, according to a nutritionist, and tips on what can be done in each case.

Causes of lack of appetite

According to nutritionist Camille Cesário Reis (CRN 44408), lack of appetite can be linked to various factors. Find out which are the most common and how to proceed in each case:

Anemia or iron deficiency

One of the causes of lack of appetite can be anemia or iron deficiency. The nutritionist explains that “the first point to treat them is to investigate the reason that triggered this condition, which may be due to insufficient consumption of nutrients – such as iron, vitamin B12, folic acid -, blood loss or deficiency in absorption.

What to do: in case of insufficient consumption of certain nutrients, foods rich in each should be included in the diet. Camille explains that there is a need for supplementation in some situations. As for difficulty in absorption, what should be treated is the intestine, because it is where nutrients are absorbed.

Emotional problems

Emotional disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression can be the cause of a lack of appetite. The nutritionist warns that, in this case, the diagnosis must be made from a consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

What to do: The main treatment should be accompanied by a psychologist or psychiatrist. In addition, “the practice of regular exercises and the consumption of foods rich in tryptophan, such as chestnuts, bananas, cinnamon, beans, eggs, fish and cocoa, can help in the treatment. Another essential point is to have good intestinal health, as the intestine is responsible for producing large amounts of serotonin, the feel-good hormone.”

eating disorders

One of the hallmarks of eating disorders like anorexia is lack of appetite.

What to do: To solve this problem, it is necessary to seek help from a psychologist and a nutritionist who specializes in eating disorders. Camille informs that “in São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas has a specific outpatient clinic for this type of treatment called Ambulim, in which all treatment is done free of charge.”

Infections and inflammation

Infections or inflammation, whether bacterial, viral or parasitic, can also be the cause of poor appetite.

What to do: the nutritionist explains that there is no universal treatment in this case. “It is necessary to look for a doctor to carry out tests and discover the cause of the problem. Knowing the cause, the doctor will indicate the appropriate drug treatment.”

Chronic diseases

Chronic diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, diabetes and heart failure may have a lack of appetite as one of the symptoms.

What to do: again, it is necessary to do tests and have a specific diagnosis for each case. Thus, the treatment will be directed and the appetite will be restored.

Alcohol consumption or chemical dependency

High consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs, in addition to several other health complications, can affect appetite.

What to do: according to Camille, “this situation is only reversed by changing habits, stopping consuming the substances in question. Either way, maintaining a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and a well-established exercise routine can help minimize the harmful effects.”

Although these are the main causes of lack of appetite, it is important to have exams frequently to obtain a real diagnosis and effective treatment, accompanied by a specialist.

Learn more about lack of appetite

Lack of appetite can be the result of some habits, but they can also indicate that there is something wrong with our body. Check out more on the subject and see possible ways to proceed in each case.

Lack of appetite: what could it be?

In this video, we follow a conversation about lack of appetite, its possible causes and what can be done. It’s important to seek help and know that not feeling hungry or wanting to eat could indicate other health problems.

Lack of appetite in the elderly: how to deal?

Lack of appetite is a frequent issue among the elderly. The geriatrician Daniel Gomes comments on the matter and gives tips on what can be done for the elderly to regain their appetite.

Lack of appetite in children

Also common among children, lack of appetite can be linked to several factors. See what parents can do to get kids to eat healthy and not forced.

Foods that whet your appetite

While some foods easily satisfy hunger, there are others that whet our appetite. Know what they are and try to include them in your food routine.

It is important to note that lack of appetite can be linked to several factors, not always obvious. You need to be careful, as it can be a sign that something is not working well in your body, and always consult a professional to treat the problem. And to stay on top of your diet, check out our list of antioxidant foods.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.