1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Men's Health

Decreased Appetite and Unexplained Weight Loss

by Jerry Kennard
for About.com

Updated February 12, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

A decrease in appetite is quite common during, for example, a bout of influenza or other relatively short-term illnesses. Appetite can also decrease in times of emotional upset, depression, boredom or anxiety. Dealing with the problem invariably causes appetite to return to normal.

Weight loss is clearly related to decreased appetite, but there are occasions when weight loss is unexplained and is not related to decreased appetite. When drastic weight loss reaches more than 10 pounds medical intervention is required. Typically, dramatic weight loss is due to an inability to digest and absorb food properly, or, the intake of food is outstripped by the energy needs of the body.

The Causes of Decreased Appetite Are:

  • Psychological issues (e.g. depression) or disorders (anorexia)

  • Amphetamines or some medications

  • Hypercalcemia (too much calcium)

  • Hypokalemia (too little potassium in the blood)

  • High alcohol intake

  • Viral hepatitis

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Cancer
  • The Causes of Decreased Absorption Are:

  • Digestive enzyme problems

  • Gallbladder problems

  • Small intestine problems

  • Parasitic infection

  • Some medications causing long-term diarrhea

  • Hyperthyroidism creating an excessive energy demand

  • Fever

  • Cancer

  • Amphetamine or drug misuse
  • Explore Men's Health
    About.com Special Features

    Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

    Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

    We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
    1. Home
    2. Health
    3. Men's Health
    4. Fitness/Lifestyle
    5. Weight
    6. Decrease Appetite and Unexplained Weight Loss>

    ©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

    All rights reserved.