Definition of Appetite - decreased:

Appetite is the desire to eat. A decreased appetite is when you have a reduced desire to eat. This occurs despite the body's basic caloric (energy) needs.

Considerations:

Any illness can affect a previously hearty appetite. If the illness is treatable, the appetite should return when the condition is cured.

Loss of appetite can cause unintentional weight loss.

Depression in the elderly is a common cause of weight loss that is not explained by other factors.

Common Causes:

• Emotional upset, nervousness, loneliness, boredom, tension, anxiety, bereavement, and depression
• Anorexia nervosa
• Acute and chronic infections
• HIV
• Pregnancy (first trimester)
• Cancer
• Hypothyroidism
• Medications and street drugs
  • Chemotherapeutic agents
  • Amphetamines
  • Sympathomimetics including ephedrine
  • Antibiotics
  • Cough and cold preparations
  • Codeine
  • Morphine
  • Demerol
  • Digitalis