10 Reasons for Loss of Appetite

10 Reasons for Loss of Appetite

Lack of Exercise: Regular activity can boost a person’s appetite.

Dehydration: This can be brought on by age related changes, medications or lack of interest, but dehydration can lead to dangerous conditions impeding a person’s ability to function appropriately.

Lack of Routine: Eating around the same time each day helps the body feel ready to eat at meal times.

Inability to prepare meals: When living alone, preparation of a meal may become too difficult or tiring.

Loss of taste: With age, taste buds become less able to detect flavors. Favorite foods may become bland and unappetizing.

Difficulty Chewing, swallowing or eating independently: Issues such as dental problems, some medications, and medical conditions such as stroke, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease all can cause difficulties with eating and swallowing, making mealtime frustrating and sometimes frightening.

Sensitivity to smells: Certain smells that previously went unnoticed may invoke feelings of  nausea and decrease appetite

Depression or loneliness: Studies have indicated 1 in 10 people express feelings of loneliness.  Not having anyone to share a meal with may intensify those feelings.

Loss of Control: If you have a change in your living situation, you may not have access to your favorite foods.  Being unable to choose what to eat may makes you not want to eat at all.

Mealtimes are unpleasant: An arguments or negative atmosphere during mealtime can lead to increased stress and frustrations and create an unpleasant association with food.