Causes:
A lack of appetite can be influenced by a wide variety of factors. The lack of desire to eat may be a natural response to food poisoning, chemical exposure and/or poisoning, constipation and general digestive problems, the common cold, flu, upper respiratory tract infection, or any other form of internal bacterial/viral infection, as your body focuses more on healing and less on eating. Diabetes can cause appetite loss and prescription drugs may induce this symptom as a side effect of usage. Underlying illnesses and heavy metal poisoning may also manifest themselves as appetite loss.
Non-physical aspects of your life, such as depression, significant loss, trauma, high levels of stress, or some social situations all influence your desire and ability to eat. Alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and other stimulants also negatively affect appetite.
A number of people note a decreased appetite as they grow older. This may be due to a reduced ability to smell and taste, increased medication usage, ill-fitting dentures, the inability to cook for or feed oneself, emotional concerns and loss, and social isolation. A reduced ability to smell and taste hinders your body's natural stimulation of the gastrointestinal system to prepare for digestion. Consequently, your appetite may not be stimulated in preparation for a meal.
What to Expect:
A poor appetite can lead to nutritional deficiencies as your body has less food to assimilate vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. People may lose weight if a poor appetite is a long-term situation or gain weight if eating disproportionate quantities of inappropriate foods.
If infection or poisoning is the underlying cause of a poor appetite, your desire for food will naturally improve on its own once your body has recovered from the ailment at hand.
If a lack of appetite is induced by other factors, the situation will likely not resolve itself until the underlying cause(s) has been addressed.
