Serious illnesses that cause a lack of appetite include cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, COPD, hepatitis, HIV, and certain thyroid conditions. Other conditions that trigger a loss of appetite include influenza, the common cold, urinary infections, chest infections, acid reflux, and diabetes. [2] X Research source You may also experience a decreased appetite if you’re pregnant, constipated, or nauseous. [3] X Research source Certain medications can cause a lack of a desire to eat. The main culprits are antidepressants, ADHD medications, painkillers, and chemotherapy. [4] X Research source
If you’re struggling with your body image or you’ve been extremely self-conscious about how much you eat, you may want to talk to a mental health professional about a potential eating disorder. [7] X Trustworthy Source HelpGuide Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
So long as someone is eating a healthy, balanced diet and they’re getting enough calories to maintain their energy levels, they’re eating enough food.
If your decreased appetite developed at the same time you started a new medication, talk to your doctor about it.
The other forms of sugar, glucose and fructose, won’t have nearly the same impact on your hormones. [13] X Research source
Ghrelin, the hormone that regulates hunger, runs on a 4-hour cycle. If you eat a little bit every four hours, your appetite should remain fairly stable. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Never skip breakfast. Even if you only have a snack, breakfast will get your metabolism going, which will make you hungrier earlier in the day.
This may not necessarily increase your appetite, but it will trick you into eating more food if that’s your underlying goal here!
If you do want to try a supplement without talking to your doctor and you’re healthy, it’s probably fine to try taking a daily fish oil supplement. Any negative side effects, such as bad breath or loose stools, are going to be very minor.
Don’t consume more than 4–7 tablespoons (59–104 mL) of MCT oil a day. [21] X Research source You really don’t need a lot of this stuff to stimulate your appetite anyway, so only stick to a few drops. In larger doses, MCT oil can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. [22] X Research source Your stomach should tolerate a few drops perfectly fine, though. [23] X Research source Unless you’re allergic to coconuts or you have liver disease, MCT oil should be perfectly safe to consume. Talk to your doctor if you’re nervous about adding a supplement to your diet. This one shouldn’t be a big deal, though. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Potential side effects, such as mood changes or thrombotic events like blood clots. Do not take appetite stimulants without consulting a doctor and do your best to work with your primary care doctor to solve this without medication, if possible. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source Dronabinol is likely the best option for many people since the side effects don’t tend to be very serious. Unfortunately, it’s a cannabis-based medication and it’s not legal or available everywhere. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you’re eating a balanced diet and you’re consuming at least 3 meals a day but you still think you aren’t eating enough food, talk to your doctor about it.
