Loss of Appetite
Appetite is defined as the desire for food and the accompanied pleasures of eating.
Appetite is a natural desire or need for food. The body must have a regular supply of food to work properly. A loss of appetite (also known as anorexia) may cause less food to be eaten or meals to be skipped.
Loss of appetite is therefore the loss of desire to eat and is described as anorexia.
Loss of appetite that occurs for a prolonged period of time may result in weight loss, muscle wasting, and impaired healing. The body may suffer from malnutrition and lack of energy.
Causes
1. Physiological: Inactive lifestyle, irregular eating habits, consuming snack foods/junk foods in between meals, excessive alcohol, aging.
2. Infections: Fevers, influenza, tuberculosis.
3. Local gastric causes: cancer, inflammation of the stomach.
4. Psychological: anorexia nervosa (bulimia), depression.
5. Drugs: amphetamine.
There are many things you can do to help improve appetite. These include:
- Eat several small meals daily, instead of large ones.
- Avoid cooking strong smelling foods (such as fish or cauliflower).
- Make sure food choices are nutritious.
- Keep nutritious snacks like fresh fruits or granola available.
- Keep food available that requires little energy to prepare and can be easily heated in the microwave, or eaten cold out of the refrigerator.
Management
1. Ensure that a medical check up is carried out to rule out any diseases.
2. Regular exercises.
3. Take stock of your smoking and drinking.
4. Avoids nacks in between meals.
5. Observe meal timings.
6. Appetite stimulants.
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