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Appetite - decreased

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• Treatment

Definition:

Appetite is the desire to eat. A decreased appetite is when you have a reduced desire to eat. This occurs despite the body's basic caloric (energy) needs.

Alternative Names:

Loss of appetite; Decreased appetite

Considerations:

Any illness can affect a previously hearty appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured.

Loss of appetite can cause unintentional weight loss .

Depression in the elderly is a common cause of weight loss that is not explained by other factors.

Common Causes:

• Emotional upset, nervousness, loneliness, boredom, tension , anxiety , bereavement, and depression
• Anorexia nervosa
• Acute and chronic infections
• HIV
• Pregnancy (first trimester)
• Cancer
• Hypothyroidism
• Medications and street drugs
  • Chemotherapeutic agents
  • Amphetamines
  • Sympathomimetics including ephedrine
  • Antibiotics
  • Cough and cold preparations
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Demerol
  • Digitalis

• Review Date: 7/21/2006
• Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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