Have You Lost Your Appetite? Here's Why It Could Be Happening

On most days, the rumble of your stomach signals it's time for lunch. You can never do without a sweet treat at the end of the meal. You refill cups of tea as frequently as you change your clothes. Anytime is a good time for a snack if you try hard enough. But suddenly it has all changed. Your appetite has disappeared without a trace. Biryani, paneer tikka or ice-cream, nothing seems to make you salivate anymore.

Does this sound anything like what you're going through right now? The food you consume isn't only about fulfilling cravings. Your body requires food like a car needs fuel. Nutrition is essential to keep the organs functioning smoothly. Usually when you're hungry, you will receive physical cues like rumbles in the stomach and light-headedness. However when the body doesn't feel hungry any more, it may be a symptom of an issue that lies much deeper.

(Also Read: Stressed Out? 4 Foods To Avoid When In Stress)

If you're experiencing a loss of appetite and are not feeling very hungry anymore, here's why that could be the case.

1. Anxiety

You might be experiencing anxiety. Anxiety can lead to the release of stress hormones which can slow down the appetite and digestion.

2. Depression

The effects of depression are wide. It can leave the area of the brain which is responsible for monitoring the physiological state less active than usual. This can lead to a drop in hunger.

(Also Read: If You Have Any Of These Symptoms, You Might Be Highly Stressed)

3. Stress

If you're under stress, it could affect the way you're eating too. Stress can cause physical symptoms like nausea and indigestion which affect the appetite and leads to a decrease in consumption of food.

4. Age

Your age could also relate to your food habits. According to Pubmed Central, about 15% to 30% of older people are expected to experience age-related appetite decline.

Which ever the cause, it's important to find the root cause of your loss in appetite so that the body continues to be fuelled properly.

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