Loss of appetite is a distressing condition for any individual. It is because of our appetite, that we eat, nourish our bodies, and gather energy for daily activities. A healthy appetite typically indicates good health, while its absence suggests an underlying issue.

A loss of appetite lasting two to three days may occur due to stress, overwork, or acute illnesses like flu or tonsillitis, and typically resolves on its own once the issue is addressed. However, if the loss of appetite persists longer, it could indicate chronic infections such as tuberculosis or HIV, which is more concerning.

Liver, gallbladder, and kidney disorders can cause a loss of appetite, often serving as an early sign of chronic illness. Additionally, malignancy anywhere in the body typically leads to decreased appetite along with other health issues. Chronic cardiac failure results in decreased blood flow to the gut and other organs, hindering digestion and appetite. Ongoing digestive issues such as constipation, dyspepsia, and hyperacidity further diminish a person's appetite.

Chronic smoking and alcohol use can lead to a loss of appetite, as can certain medications like metformin (an anti-diabetic drug), anti-migraine, and antidepressants.

A prolonged loss of appetite, regardless of the cause, negatively impacts a person's nutritional status. Insufficient calorie intake leads to weakness and emaciation, resulting in multiple deficiencies of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins. This makes one feel weak. They suffer from vague body pain and are unable to carry on work efficiently. In advanced cases, small activities like walking around a room, or dressing up, also become difficult for the affected person.

Therefore, it is imperative to identify and treat the cause of loss of appetite and help a person regain normal strength, thereby improving their quality of life. Diagnosis of the underlying cause is based on the duration of the condition and associated symptoms. It is confirmed using specific tests.

In the case of specific causes like tuberculosis, the appetite improves spontaneously after specific treatment. If it is due to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, counselling and regular supervision of the individual are needed to see that one starts eating properly.

Drugs are available to improve appetite. But it is not desirable to use them generally. They cause side effects like drowsiness, instability in walking, dryness of mouth, and even obesity. Thus, instead of improving the overall wellbeing of a person, it tends to make them feel sicker.

Attention to the nutritional status of the person is vital till their appetite improves. They should be fed small quantities of food three or four times every day. This helps in maintaining energy levels and is suitable for the normal physiology of the digestive system. It also provides the essential nutrients necessary for the normal healthy functioning of the body.

Supplements of vitamins and essential nutrient substances aid in regaining the good health of a person suffering from loss of appetite. Quitting alcohol and smoking are useful in improving the overall health of an individual. Some obese individuals may feel happy when they develop anorexia, believing it will help them lose weight. However, they should understand that losing weight due to illness or loss of appetite is unhealthy and requires treatment.

Dr Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine.