Feeling tired and no appetite: what to know

A short illness may reduce appetite while your body uses energy to recover. COVID-19 and influenza can bring fatigue, fever or aches; gastroenteritis may add diarrhoea or vomiting. Upper-abdominal discomfort, nausea or burning can occur with gastritis or a peptic ulcer. Depression can affect appetite, sleep, motivation and energy. Less commonly, ongoing appetite loss with marked fatigue needs assessment for a liver, digestive or other medical condition, including hepatitis A or pancreatic cancer. A symptom does not identify its cause by itself.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink regularly, especially if you have been vomiting or have diarrhoea. Try small, frequent meals with easy-to-eat foods such as soup, yoghurt, rice or toast, and include protein when you can. Rest, keep a note of your temperature and other symptoms, and review any new medicines or supplements with a clinician rather than stopping prescribed treatment yourself. A doctor can ask about weight change, mood, bowel symptoms and recent infection.

Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a prompt appointment if appetite remains low, tiredness interferes with daily activities, or you are losing weight without trying. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a long-term condition may need earlier advice.

What symptoms or medicines could explain this pattern? Do I need an examination or tests? How can I maintain fluids and nutrition while the cause is being checked?