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How is loss of appetite treated?

Where Loss of Appetite is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline
Illustration: Where Loss of Appetite is typically felt, shown on a simplified body outline

Short answer

Loss of appetite is treated by addressing its cause, supporting nutrition and fluids, and making eating easier while the cause is assessed.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

First step
Look for the underlying cause.
Food approach
Small, nourishing meals may be easier.
Watch for
Dehydration, weakness and weight loss.

What reduced appetite can mean

A short-lived change may accompany an infection such as COVID-19 or gastroenteritis. Ongoing poor appetite can also occur with gastritis, depression, medication effects, or a more serious illness. Cancer cachexia can cause loss of appetite together with muscle loss and reduced strength; stomach cancer is one condition a clinician may consider when digestive symptoms persist. The symptom alone does not identify the cause.

What you can do

Arrange a clinical assessment if appetite does not return, especially when there is unplanned weight loss, nausea, pain, swallowing difficulty, or a change in bowel habits. Keep a simple record of food, drinks, symptoms and medicines. Try small meals or snacks at regular times, choose nourishing foods you tolerate, and sip fluids. A clinician may treat an infection, adjust a medicine, manage nausea or pain, or refer you for dietetic support. Nutrition Support in Cancer and Palliative Care may be relevant when a serious illness affects eating.

When to seek care

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, have severe abdominal pain, vomit blood, or pass black stools. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent appetite loss with worsening weakness, dehydration, repeated vomiting, jaundice, or noticeable weight loss. These warning signs need assessment rather than self-treatment.

Questions for your doctor

What could be reducing my appetite? Do I need tests or a medication review? Which foods and drinks are suitable while this is investigated? When should I seek urgent help if eating becomes harder?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Should I force myself to eat?

Do not force large meals. Try small portions, preferred foods and regular sips of fluid, and seek advice if intake remains low.

Can loss of appetite be treated at home?

Mild, short-lived appetite loss may improve with fluids and small meals, but persistent or worsening symptoms need clinical assessment.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.