Do anxiety and depression both cause anorexia?

Anxiety and depression do not always involve loss of appetite. While some patients exhibit obvious anorexia, others show no significant change in appetite, and some may even experience increased appetite.

Some individuals with anxiety or depression may develop symptoms of appetite loss. Feelings of low mood and slowed thinking can cause patients to lose interest in food, and they may experience discomfort such as nausea or bloating during meals, leading them to voluntarily reduce food intake. Over time, this may result in weight loss and exacerbate symptoms like fatigue and lethargy due to inadequate nutrition, creating a vicious cycle.

Conversely, not all patients with anxiety or depression experience reduced appetite. Some may turn to food to relieve inner anxiety, resulting in increased appetite and binge eating—particularly of high-calorie foods. Others may primarily experience symptoms such as mood swings and sleep disturbances, with relatively stable appetite that does not differ significantly from their normal, healthy state.

For dietary concerns related to patients with anxiety and depression, family members can prepare light, easily digestible meals and create a relaxed eating environment. Encouraging regular daily routines and gentle activities such as walking or yoga can help regulate mood and support the maintenance of healthy eating patterns.