Poor appetite: the medical term and what it means

Loss of appetite can affect how much and how often you eat. It may occur for a short time during an illness, emotional stress, nausea or a change in taste or smell. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis.

A recent infection such as influenza, COVID-19, gastroenteritis or hepatitis A can reduce appetite, especially when fever, nausea or fatigue is present. Stomach irritation from gastritis, a peptic ulcer or medicines may make eating uncomfortable.

Low mood can affect interest in food, while persistent appetite loss with abdominal or back pain, jaundice, vomiting or ongoing weight change needs assessment. Pancreatic cancer is one possible medical cause, but poor appetite alone does not establish any particular condition.

Take small, frequent meals rather than waiting for a large appetite. Choose nourishing foods you tolerate, add fluids between meals, and consider soups, yoghurt, eggs or other soft options if chewing or nausea is a problem. Keep a simple record of intake and symptoms.

Review new medicines with a clinician or pharmacist instead of stopping prescribed treatment yourself. Arrange an appointment if appetite remains low, makes it hard to manage a long-term condition, or is accompanied by persistent nausea, pain, swallowing difficulty or unplanned weight change.

Seek urgent care if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, have severe abdominal pain, vomit blood, pass black stools, develop yellow skin or eyes, or become short of breath. These signs may indicate dehydration or a serious underlying problem.

Get prompt medical advice for ongoing fever, marked weakness, worsening pain, or a steady decline in eating and drinking. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with diabetes or another serious condition may become unwell sooner when intake falls.

Ask: What causes fit my other symptoms? Could a medicine, infection, mood change or stomach problem be contributing? How can I maintain fluids and nutrition? Should I have an examination or tests, and which warning signs should make me seek urgent help?