Written by: Dr. Subita Alagh
14 July 2025
Loss of appetite isn’t always about skipped meals, your body could be trying to tell you something deeper.
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Chronic stress can suppress hunger signals or flip them, making you crave high-calorie foods later.
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Common drugs like antibiotics, antidepressants, or pain meds can dull your appetite as a side effect.
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When you're sick, your immune system shifts focus, often reducing hunger to prioritize recovery.
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Morning sickness, especially in the first trimester, often blunts appetite. Small, bland snacks may help.
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Stomach bugs like gastroenteritis can trigger nausea and cramps, making food the last thing on your mind.
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Low red blood cells = low energy. That tiredness can also mean you don’t feel like eating.
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Diabetes and hypothyroidism can both reduce appetite. Nerve damage from uncontrolled diabetes may slow digestion, while a sluggish thyroid slows metabolism, blunting hunger even as weight gain occurs.
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Older adults may experience slower digestion and weaker taste or smell—reducing meal interest.
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Low mood, low appetite. If eating feels like a chore, mental health support can help.
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If appetite loss lasts more than a few days or leads to weight loss, see your doctor.
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