What is hidden behind a loss of appetite?

What is hidden behind a loss of appetite?
Hunger is a normal feeling, a consequence of the needs of your body. On the other hand, losing appetite can be the sign of different states which sometimes require medical advice. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, medical director of True Medical, tells us when it is necessary to consult.

You no longer feel the feeling of hunger and this feeling questions you? You are right. Normally, our body needing food to work, the desire to eat intervenes daily. “”But a loss of appetite, called hyporexia (which designates both the loss of envy and the need to eat), can be a sign of various underlying pathologies that it is important not to neglect. “ Discover the different possible causes of such a change.

Psychological disorders

We sometimes talk about a ball in the stomach. But that’s how it is: stress, anxiety, depression or emotional shock are likely to cause a drop in appetite … at least occasional. (before an exam, an important appointment ..)

Medication side effects

“Certain drugs such as antidepressantsopioids, antibiotics, anti -cancer treatments or antidiabetics can reduce the feeling of hunger “ confirms our expert. A detail that your doctor may have mentioned with you during the prescription and/or that you must approach if you are in this case.

As part of cancer treatment “especially the chemotherapy and the radiotherapynausea, vomiting or alterations of taste and smells “ can also explain a loss of appetite, indicates The Foundation for Research on Cancer

The presence of an infection

You may have already experienced it, but when you get sick, you sometimes also lose the desire to eat. “”Viral or bacterial infections (flucommon cold, bronchitissinusitis) decrease appetite due to the production of inflammatory cytokines by the body ” explains our expert. Again, the effect is a passenger.

A chronic disease

Certain chronic diseases can lead to a loss of daily appetite, such as diabetes, heart failure, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, Addison’s disease “But it is also the result of digestive diseases like the Crohn’s diseasehemorrhagic rectocolitis, or theintestinal occlusion“” Details Dr. Kierzek.

The appearance of cancer

Unfortunately, hyporexia can also be a sign of a cause far from harmless. “Most cancers, especially digestive and hematological, can cause loss of appetite through inflammatory mechanisms” confirms the emergency room.

Other causes to know

Finally, other causes linked to your state of the moment may also be the source of a lack of appetite. “Advanced age, early pregnancy, a food poisoning or the excessive alcohol consumptiontobacco or drugs can also act on appetite “.

Consult as soon as the feeling lasts over time

The loss of appetite is therefore not to be taken lightly (apart from an identified and punctual cause). “”In the event of loss of persistent and unexplained appetite, it is recommended to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and treat it appropriately, possibly with food supplements or drugs stimulating appetite “. Dr. Kierzek highlights the importance of consulting in this case: “The research and treatment of the cause are fundamental, especially if other signs accompany this hyporexia as weight loss and/or pain. “