Anorexia (Loss of Appetite)

食欲不足的原因

由于厌食症通常是医疗问题的症状，因此如果您发现食欲大大减少，请与医生交谈。从技术上讲，任何医疗问题都可能导致食欲不振。

Common causes of loss of appetite can include the following:

Depression

During episodes of depression, a person may lose interest in food or forget to eat. This can lead to weight loss and malnourishment. The actual cause of loss of appetite is not known. Sometimes, people with depression can overeat.

癌症

Advanced cancer can cause loss of appetite, so it’s not uncommon for people with end-stage cancer to decline food. As the disease progresses, the body of a person with end-stage cancer begins to conserve energy. Since their body is unable to use food and fluids properly, loss of appetite typically occurs as the end of life approaches. If you’re a caregiver, don’t be overly concerned if a loved one chooses not to eat, or only prefers liquids such as ice cream and milkshakes.

Side effects caused by some cancer treatments (radiationandchemotherapy）也会影响食欲。接受这些治疗方法的人，如果他们遭受恶心，吞咽困难，咀嚼困难和口腔疮，可能会失去食欲。

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis Cis a liver infection that spreads from person to person through contact with infected blood. This infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus. If left untreated, it can cause liver damage. Advanced liver damage can cause nausea and vomiting, which affects appetite. If you experience loss of appetite, your doctor can order blood work to check for the hepatitis C virus. Other types of hepatitis can also cause loss of appetite in the same way.

肾功能衰竭

有人kidney failurewill often have a condition called uremia, which means there is excess protein in the blood. This protein would normally be flushed out in the urine, however, the damaged kidneys are unable to filter it properly. Uremia can cause people with kidney failure to feel nauseated, and not want to eat. Sometimes food will taste different. Some will find that the foods they once enjoyed no longer appeal to them.

Heart failure

有人心脏衰竭也可能会遭受食欲的丧失。这是因为您流向消化系统的血液流量较少，从而导致消化问题。这可能会使它不舒服且不吸引人。

HIV/AIDS

Loss of appetite is also a common symptom ofHIV/AIDS。There are different reasons for loss of appetite with HIV and AIDS. Both can cause painful sores on the mouth and tongue. Because of pain, some people reduce their food intake or completely lose the desire to eat.

由艾滋病和艾滋病毒引起的恶心也会影响食欲。恶心也可能是用于治疗艾滋病毒和艾滋病的药物的副作用。如果您在开始治疗后患上恶心或食欲不振，请与您的医生交谈。您的医生可能会开一种单独的药物，以帮助您应对恶心。

Alzheimer’s disease

In addition to other symptoms, some people withAlzheimer’s disease（AD）还经历食欲不振。AD患者的食欲不足有几种可能的解释。有些患有广告战抑郁症的人会导致他们对食物失去兴趣。这种疾病也可能使人们很难传达疼痛。结果，那些经历口腔疼痛或吞咽困难的人可能会对食物失去兴趣。

AD的食欲减少也很常见，因为该疾病会损害下丘脑，这是调节饥饿和食欲的大脑区域。食欲的变化可能会在诊断之前开始发展几年，并在诊断后变得更加明显。

如果有AD的人不活跃或全天不燃烧足够的卡路里，也会发生食欲不振。

提示for getting proper nutrition

厌食或食欲不足会引起并发症，例如无意减肥andmalnutrition。尽管您可能不会感到饥饿或想吃东西，但要保持健康的体重并使您的身体良好的营养能力仍然很重要。以下是您全天练习的一些技巧，当您的食欲较低时：

• Eat 5-6 small meals a day rather than 3 large meals that may fill you up too quickly.
• 在您感到最饥饿的白天跟踪时代。
• Snack whenever you are hungry. Choose snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruits, yogurt, nuts and nut butters, cheeses, eggs, protein, granola bars, and pudding.
• 在宜人的环境中吃饭，使您感到舒适。
• Eat soft foods, like mashed potatoes or smoothies, if your loss of appetite is due to pain.
• Keep your favorite snacks on hand so you can eat on the go.
• Add spices or sauces to make food more appealing and higher in calories.
• Drink liquids between meals so that they don’t fill you up while you are eating.
• Meet with a dietitian to create a meal plan that works for you.

When to contact a doctor

偶尔的食欲不足并不是引起人们关注的原因。如果厌食症会导致大量体重减轻或营养不良的迹象，例如：

• physical weakness
• headaches
• dizziness

营养不良会使您的身体更难正常运作。此外，缺乏食物也会导致肌肉质量损失。

Since different illnesses can reduce appetite, your doctor may ask several questions regarding your current health. These can include questions such as:

• Are you currently taking any medications for any conditions?
• Have there been recent changes in your weight?
• Is your loss of appetite a new or old symptom?
• 目前，您的生活中是否有任何事件使您不高兴？

用于诊断潜在医疗问题的测试可能包括成像测试（X-rayor MRI) which takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Imaging tests can check for inflammation and malignant cells. Your doctor may also order a blood test or a urine test to examine your liver and kidney function.

If you show signs ofmalnutrition, you may be admitted into the hospital and receive nutrients intravenously.

You can book an appointment with a mental health specialist in your area using ourHealthline FindCare tool。

厌食的前景

Overcoming anorexia or loss of appetite often involves treating the underlying cause. Your doctor may suggest working with a registered dietitian for advice on meal planning and proper nutrition. You can also talk to your doctor about taking an oral steroid to help stimulate your appetite.