What Causes Loss of Appetite?

Loss of appetite refers to a diminished desire to eat—ranging from reduced interest in food to complete aversion or refusal to eat. Numerous factors can cause loss of appetite. Common symptoms associated with indigestion include the following:

First, excessive fatigue. Overwork often leads to loss of appetite. Due to high work-related stress, many individuals carry heavy physical and mental burdens, resulting in fatigue or psychological tension, which may trigger transient loss of appetite—a relatively mild condition.

Second, anorexia nervosa. Individuals who obsessively monitor their weight, fear weight gain, avoid eating, experience significant unintentional weight loss, and persistently refuse food may gradually develop loss of appetite. In severe cases, this may progress to clinical anorexia nervosa.

Third, physiological changes during specific life stages—for example, women may experience loss of appetite during early pregnancy, menstruation, or while taking oral contraceptives. Symptoms typically resolve spontaneously once these periods end.

Fourth, pathological causes—including gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, enteritis, or even malignancies, as well as hepatic diseases—can also lead to loss of appetite. These underlying medical conditions pose serious health risks: persistent loss of appetite not only compromises overall health but may also result in malnutrition and exacerbate disease progression. Therefore, when loss of appetite occurs, it is essential to promptly identify and address the root cause through appropriate diagnostic evaluation and targeted treatment to prevent disease deterioration.