What should you know about lack of appetite and weight loss?

Reduced appetite means you feel less interested in food, get full sooner, or avoid eating because of nausea, pain, a change in taste, or low mood. Weight loss is more concerning when it is not intended, continues, or occurs with weakness or loss of muscle.

Short-term infections such as influenza, COVID-19, gastroenteritis, or hepatitis A may reduce appetite while the body is unwell. Ongoing stomach symptoms can occur with gastritis, a peptic ulcer, or another digestive problem. Depression can also change appetite and eating patterns. Pancreatic cancer is one less common possibility, particularly when weight loss occurs with persistent upper-abdominal pain, jaundice, or digestive changes; these symptoms do not establish the cause by themselves.

Arrange a primary-care appointment if the change is unexplained, continues, or is affecting your energy. Keep a brief record of appetite, weight trend, meals, vomiting or diarrhoea, pain, fever, bowel changes, mood, and any new medicines. This helps the clinician decide whether you need an examination or tests.

Until you are assessed, try small meals or snacks at regular intervals rather than waiting to feel hungry. Choose foods you tolerate and add nourishing options such as eggs, yoghurt, beans, soup, or a sandwich. Sip fluids regularly, and avoid filling up on large amounts of drinks immediately before meals. Do not stop prescribed medicine without advice.

Seek urgent medical help for vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, or signs of serious dehydration such as very little urine and marked dizziness. Prompt assessment is also needed for yellow skin or eyes, persistent vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down.

Contact a clinician soon if weight loss is continuing, eating has become difficult, swallowing hurts, you have a persistent fever or night sweats, or low mood is making it hard to care for yourself. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, seek emergency help now and stay with someone you trust.

Ask: What could be affecting my appetite? Does my weight change need investigation? Could a medicine, mood change, infection, or digestive symptom be contributing? Which warning signs should make me seek urgent help? Would a dietitian or mental-health professional be useful?