Hunger is a normal feeling, a result of your body's needs. On the other hand, losing your appetite can be a sign of different conditions which sometimes require a consultation. Dr Gérald Kierzek, medical director of TipsForWomens, tells us when it is necessary to consult.
You no longer feel the feeling of hunger and this sensation makes you wonder? You are right. Normally, our body needs food to function, the desire to eat occurs daily. “But a loss of appetite, called hyporexie (which refers to both the loss of the desire 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 knot in the stomach. But it is like this: stress, anxiety, depression or emotional shock are likely to lead to a drop in appetite… at least occasionally. (before an exam, an important meeting, etc.)
Drug side effects
“Certain medications such as antidepressantsopioids, antibiotics, anti-cancer or anti-diabetic treatments can reduce the feeling of hunger” confirms our expert. A detail that your doctor may have discussed with you during the prescription and/or that must be addressed if you are in this situation.
As part of cancer treatment “especially chemotherapy and radiotherapy, nausea, vomiting or changes in taste and smell” can also explain a loss of appetite, indicates the Cancer Research Foundation
The presence of an infection
You may have experienced it before, but when you get sick, sometimes you also lose the desire to eat. “Viral or bacterial infections (flucolds, bronchitis, sinusitis) decrease appetite due to the body's production of inflammatory cytokines” explains our expert. Here again, the effect is temporary.
A chronic illness
Certain chronic illnesses can lead to a loss of appetite on a daily basis, such as diabetes, heart failure, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, Addison's disease.but it is also the result of digestive diseases such as Crohn's diseaseulcerative colitis, or even intestinal obstruction” details Dr. Kierzek.
The appearance of cancer
Unfortunately, hyporexia can also be a sign of a cause that is far from trivial. “Most cancers, particularly digestive and hematological, can cause loss of appetite through inflammatory mechanisms” confirms the emergency doctor.
Other causes to know about
Finally, other causes linked to your current state can also be the source of a lack of appetite. “Advanced age, early pregnancy, food poisoning or excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco or drugs can also affect the appetite.
Consult as soon as the sensation lasts over time
Loss of appetite should therefore not be taken lightly (apart from an identified and specific cause). “In cases of persistent and unexplained loss of appetite, it is recommended to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and treat it appropriately, possibly with dietary supplements or appetite-stimulating medications. Dr. Kierzek emphasizes the importance of consulting in this case: “The search for and treatment of the cause is fundamental, especially if other signs accompany this hyporexia such as weight loss and/or pain.
Slide: Real hunger or want to snack? 10 tips to distinguish them