What is Diminished Appetite?
Diminished appetite (also called anorexia or loss of appetite) refers to a reduced desire to eat. This differs from intentional dietary restriction and typically involves decreased interest in food, skipped meals, or feeling full after only small portions. According to the Cleveland Clinic, appetite loss becomes clinically concerning when it persists for more than one week or leads to unintentional weight loss exceeding 5% of body weight.
Common Causes
Diminished appetite can stem from numerous medical, psychological, and environmental factors:
- Infections: Viral illnesses (flu, COVID-19), bacterial infections (pneumonia, UTIs), and parasitic infections
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: GERD, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, colitis