Decreased Appetite Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
A decreased desire to eat is a symptom that is common to numerous medical and psychological conditions. Almost any illness can lead to a decrease in appetite. When severe, decreased appetite can lead to unwanted weight loss and malnutrition. Medically, a decrease in appetite is referred to as anorexia.
Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.
REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Decreased Appetite
-
Alcoholism Alcoholism is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as...learn more »In This ArticleAlcoholism Article
- Alcoholism and alcohol abuse facts
- What is alcohol abuse?
- What is alcoholism?
- What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?
- What are risk factors for alcoholism?
- What causes alcoholism? Is alcoholism hereditary?
- What are alcohol abuse and alcoholism symptoms and signs in teenagers, women, men, and the elderly?
- How is alcoholism diagnosed?
- What are the stages of alcoholism?
- What is the treatment for alcoholism?
- What medications treat alcoholism?
- How can you tell if someone has a drinking problem?
- Can an alcoholic just cut back or stop drinking?
- Is there a safe level of drinking?
- Is it safe to drink alcohol while pregnant?
- How can someone find more information or get help or support to treat alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What are the long-term physical and psychological effects of alcohol abuse and alcoholism?
- What is codependency and what is the treatment for codependency?
- Can alcoholism be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of alcoholism?
-
Am I Pregnant? 12 Early Pregnancy Symptoms (Week by Week) Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. There are some symptoms that are more frequent in some women. These symptoms ...learn more »In This ArticleAm I Pregnant? 12 Early Pregnancy Symptoms (Week by Week) Article
- Am I pregnant?
- Pregnancy facts
- What are the most common pregnancy symptoms?
- Missed period
- Breast swelling, tenderness, and pain
- Abdominal cramps and bloating
- Food cravings
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Elevated basal body temperature
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Changes in nipple color
- Melasma (darkening of the skin)
- Mood swings and stress
- Headaches
-
Anorexia Anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by markedly reduced appetite or total aversion to food. Anorexia is a serious...learn more »In This ArticleAnorexia Article
- Anorexia nervosa facts
- What is anorexia nervosa?
- Who is at risk for anorexia nervosa?
- What causes anorexia nervosa?
- How is anorexia nervosa diagnosed?
- What are anorexia symptoms and signs (psychological and behavioral)?
- What are anorexia symptoms, signs, and complications (physical)?
- What is the treatment for anorexia nervosa?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) of anorexia nervosa?
- How can anorexia nervosa be prevented?
- The future of anorexia nervosa
- Where can a person get help for anorexia nervosa?
-
Anxiety Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses...learn more »In This ArticleAnxiety Article
- Generalized anxiety disorder facts
- What is generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- What are the different types of anxiety?
- How common is generalized anxiety disorder?
- What are causes and risk factors for anxiety?
- What are anxiety symptoms and signs?
- How is generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for anxiety?
- What are the side effects of anxiety medications?
- What are complications of generalized anxiety disorder?
- Can anxiety be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of generalized anxiety disorder?
- Are there support groups for those with generalized anxiety disorder?
- Where can people find additional information on generalized anxiety disorder?
-
Bone Cancer In the U.S., more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with bone cancer every year. There are many types of bone cancer. The most...learn more »In This ArticleBone Cancer Article
- Bone cancer facts
- What are bones for?
- What is cancer?
- What causes bone cancer?
- What are bone cancer symptoms and signs?
- How is bone cancer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for bone cancer?
- What are the side effects of treatment for bone cancer?
- What does the future hold for patients with bone cancer?
- Can bone cancer be prevented?
-
Cancer Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and...learn more »In This ArticleCancer Article
- What is cancer?
- What causes cancer?
- What are cancer symptoms and signs?
- What are the different types of cancer?
- How is cancer diagnosed?
- How is cancer staging determined?
- What is the treatment for cancer?
- What is the prognosis for cancer?
- Can cancer be prevented?
- Where can people find more information about cancer?
- Cancer At A Glance
-
Cirrhosis (Liver) Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral...learn more »In This ArticleCirrhosis (Liver) Article
- What is cirrhosis?
- Why does cirrhosis cause problems?
- What are the signs and symptoms of cirrhosis?
- What are the complications of cirrhosis?
- What are the common causes of cirrhosis?
- How is cirrhosis diagnosed and evaluated?
- How is cirrhosis treated?
- What is new and in the future for cirrhosis?
- Cirrhosis At A Glance
-
Cocaine and Crack Abuse Cocaine is an addictive stimulant that is smoked, snorted, and injected. Crack is cocaine that comes in a rock crystal that is...learn more »In This ArticleCocaine and Crack Abuse Article
- Cocaine and crack abuse facts
- What is cocaine? What is crack?
- How is cocaine abused?
- What are cocaine's effects on the body and the mind?
- What causes and prevents cocaine abuse and addiction?
- What are symptoms and signs of cocaine abuse and addiction?
- How is cocaine addiction diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for cocaine and crack addiction?
- What are symptoms and signs of cocaine withdrawal?
- What are the long-term effects and the prognosis for cocaine and crack addiction?
- Where can people find more information about cocaine and crack abuse?
-
Dementia Dementia is a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or...learn more »In This ArticleDementia Article
- Dementia facts*
- Introduction to dementia
- What is dementia?
- What are the different kinds of dementia?
- Alzheimer's disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- HIV-associated dementia
- Huntington's disease
- Dementia pugilistica
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Other rare hereditary dementias
- Secondary dementias
- Dementias in children
- What other conditions can cause dementia?
- What conditions are not dementia?
- What causes dementia?
- What are the risk factors for dementia?
- How is dementia diagnosed?
- Is there any treatment for dementia?
- Can dementia be prevented?
- What kind of care does a person with dementia need?
- What research is being done?
- How can I help research?
- Where can I get more information?
-
Depression Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one...learn more »In This ArticleDepression Article
- Depression facts
- What is a depressive disorder?
- What are myths about depression?
- What are the types of depression, and what are depression symptoms and signs?
- Depression symptoms and signs in men
- Depression symptoms and signs in women
- Depression symptoms and signs in teenagers
- Depression symptoms and signs in children
- What are the causes and risk factors of depression?
- Postpartum depression
- How is depression diagnosed?
- What treatments are available for depression?
- What is the general approach to treating depression?
- What about sexual dysfunction related to antidepressants?
- What about discontinuing antidepressants?
- What are complications of depression?
- What is the prognosis for depression?
- How can depression be prevented?
- What about self-help and home remedies?
- How can someone help a person who is depressed?
- Where can one seek help for depression?
- What is in the future for depression?
- Where can people find more information about depression?
-
Depression in Children Childhood depression can interfere with social activities, interests, schoolwork and family life. Symptoms and signs include...learn more »In This ArticleDepression in Children Article
- What are symptoms of depression in children?
- How can I tell if my child is suicidal?
- What are suicide warning signs in children?
- What causes depression in children?
- Can depression in children be prevented?
- How is depression diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for depression in children?
- What is the long-term prognosis?
- Communicating with your teen
-
Depression in the Elderly Depression in the elderly is very common. That doesn't mean, though, it's normal. Treatment may involve antidepressants,...learn more »In This ArticleDepression in the Elderly Article
- How does depression in the elderly differ from depression in younger adults?
- How is insomnia related to depression in the elderly?
- What are risk factors for depression in the elderly?
- What types of treatment are available for depression in the elderly?
- How do antidepressants relieve depression in the elderly?
- Can psychotherapy help relieve depression in the elderly?
- Who may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
- What other problems affect treatment of depression in the elderly?
-
Drug Abuse Drug addiction is a chronic disease that causes drug-seeking behavior and drug use despite negative consequences to the user and...learn more »In This ArticleDrug Abuse Article
- Drug abuse and addiction facts
- What is drug abuse?
- What is drug addiction?
- What types of drugs are commonly abused?
- What are the physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction?
- What are causes and risk factors for drug abuse and addiction?
- What are symptoms and signs of drug abuse and addiction?
- What happens to your brain when you take drugs?
- How is drug addiction diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for drug addiction?
- What are complications of drug addiction?
- What is the prognosis of drug addiction?
- Can drug abuse and addiction be prevented?
- Where can people get help for drug abuse or addiction?
-
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) Gastroenteritis (viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu) is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting...learn more »In This ArticleGastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) Article
- Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) facts
- What is gastroenteritis (stomach flu)?
- What causes gastroenteritis?
- Clostridum difficile as a cause of gastroenteritis
- What are gastroenteritis symptoms?
- Is gastroenteritis contagious?
- Is gastroenteritis a serious illness?
- How does food get contaminated with gastroenteritis viruses?
- Who is at risk of gastroenteritis?
- When should the doctor be called for gastroenteritis?
- How is gastroenteritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gastroenteritis?
- What are gastroenteritis complications?
- Can gastroenteritis be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of gastroenteritis?
-
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition in which the acidified liquid contents of the stomach backs up into the...learn more »In This ArticleGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Article
- GERD facts
- What is GERD (acid reflux)?
- What causes GERD?
- What are the symptoms of uncomplicated GERD?
- What are the complications of GERD?
- How is GERD diagnosed and evaluated?
- Symptoms and procedures to diagnose GERD
- GERD tests
- How is GERD treated?
- Lifestyle changes and GERD diet
- GERD medications
- GERD surgery
- What is a reasonable approach to the management of GERD?
- What are the unresolved issues in GERD?
-
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Hand-foot-and-mouth syndrome is clinical pattern consisting of a rash on the hands and feet, and in the mouth....learn more »In This ArticleHand Foot and Mouth Disease Article
- What is hand foot and mouth (HFM) disease?
- What are the symptoms and signs of hand foot and mouth disease?
- What causes hand foot and mouth disease?
- How is hand foot and mouth disease spread?
- What is the incubation period for hand foot and mouth disease?
- When does hand foot and mouth disease usually occur?
- How does hand foot and mouth disease affect pregnancy and the baby?
- What is the course of hand foot and mouth disease?
- Why haven't we heard more about hand foot and mouth disease?
- How is hand foot and mouth disease diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for hand foot and mouth disease?
- Hand Foot and Mouth (HFM) Disease At A Glance
-
Hepatitis (Viral Hepatitis, A, B, C, D, E, G) Hepatitis is most often viral, due to infection with one of the hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E, F (not confirmed), and G) or...learn more »In This ArticleHepatitis (Viral Hepatitis, A, B, C, D, E, G) Article
- Viral hepatitis facts
- Viral hepatitis definition and overview
- What are the common types of viral hepatitis?
- Who is at risk for viral hepatitis?
- What are the symptoms and signs of viral hepatitis?
- What is acute fulminant hepatitis?
- What is chronic viral hepatitis?
- How is viral hepatitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for viral hepatitis?
- How is viral hepatitis prevented?
- Hepatitis vaccinations
- What is the prognosis of viral hepatitis?
-
Hepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) The hepatitis B virus (HBV, hep B) is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of...learn more »In This ArticleHepatitis B (HBV, Hep B) Article
- What is hepatitis?
- How is the hepatitis B virus spread (transmitted)?
- What are the symptoms of acute hepatitis B infection?
- What are the symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection?
- How is hepatitis B diagnosed?
- What is the role of a liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis B?
- What is the natural course of chronic hepatitis B?
- What medications are used to treat hepatitis B?
- What are the effects of alcohol on hepatitis B?
- What are the effects of immunosuppressive medications on hepatitis B?
- What is delta hepatitis?
- What about co-infection with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus?
- What happens in co-infection with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus?
- What is the role of liver transplantation in hepatitis B?
- What can be done to prevent hepatitis B?
- What is new in the treatment of hepatitis B?
- Hepatitis B At A Glance
-
Hepatitis C (HCV, Hep C) Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by blood transfusion,...learn more »In This ArticleHepatitis C (HCV, Hep C) Article
- Hepatitis C infection (HCV, hep C) facts
- What is hepatitis C infection?
- What is the nature (biology) of the hepatitis C virus?
- How does liver damage occur in hepatitis C infection?
- How is hepatitis C virus spread, is it contagious, and how can transmission be prevented?
- What are the symptoms of hepatitis C infection?
- What conditions outside the liver are associated with hepatitis C infection?
- What is the usual progression of chronic hepatitis C infection?
- Who is at high risk and should be tested for hepatitis C infection?
- What are the diagnostic tests for hepatitis C virus and how are they used to diagnose hepatitis C infection?
- What is the role of a liver biopsy in the management of chronic hepatitis C infection?
- What is the treatment for hepatitis C infection?
- Who should receive antiviral therapy for hepatitis C infection?
- What are the different patterns of response to antiviral treatment?
- What are the goals of therapy for hepatitis C infection?
- What are the therapy options for previously untreated patients with chronic hepatitis C infection?
- How are relapses and nonresponders treated?
- Should individuals with acute hepatitis C infection be treated?
- What are the side effects of treatment for hepatitis C infection?
- What about liver transplantation for hepatitis C infection?
- What is the current research and what is in the future for hepatitis C infection?
-
Human Immunodeficiency Virus HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV is a type of virus called a...learn more »In This ArticleHuman Immunodeficiency Virus Article
- HIV facts
- What is the history of HIV, and when was HIV discovered?
- What tests are used in the diagnosis of HIV?
- How is HIV transmitted (spread)?
- What happens after an exposure to the blood or genital secretions of an HIV-infected person?
- What are HIV symptoms and signs in men, women, and children?
- What laboratory tests are used to monitor HIV-infected people?
- What are the key principles in managing HIV infection?
- Should patients with the flu- or mono-like illness of primary HIV infection be treated?
- What about treatment for HIV during pregnancy?
- What can be done for people who have severe immunosuppression?
- What is the future for HIV-infected individuals with regards to treatment simplification and cure research?
- What is in the future for preventing HIV transmission?
-
Kidney Failure Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss,...learn more »In This ArticleKidney Failure Article
- Kidney failure facts
- What are the kidneys?
- What causes kidney failure?
- What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
- How is kidney failure diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for kidney failure?
- Diet
- Medications
- Dialysis
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Kidney transplantation
- What is the prognosis for someone with kidney failure?
-
Liver Cancer Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and the majority of patients with liver cancer will die within one year...learn more »In This ArticleLiver Cancer Article
- Liver cancer facts
- What is liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC)?
- What is the scope of the liver cancer problem?
- What are the population characteristics (epidemiology) of liver cancer?
- What are liver cancer causes and risk factors?
- What are liver cancer symptoms and signs?
- How is liver cancer diagnosed?
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies
- Liver biopsy or aspiration
- What is the natural history of liver cancer?
- What are the treatment options for liver cancer?
- Chemotherapy and biotherapy
- Chemoembolization (trans-arterial chemoembolization or TACE)
- Radioembolization
- Ablation techniques
- Cryoablation
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Proton beam therapy
- Surgery
- Is there a role for routine screening for liver cancer?
- What is fibrolamellar carcinoma?
- What's in the future for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer?
-
Mumps Mumps is an acute viral illness caused by the mumps virus. Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness,...learn more »In This ArticleMumps Article
- Mumps facts
- What is mumps?
- What is the history of mumps?
- What causes mumps? How is mumps transmitted?
- What are risk factors for contracting mumps?
- What are the signs and symptoms of mumps in children and adults?
- How is mumps diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for mumps in adults and in children?
- What are complications of mumps?
- Can mumps be prevented? Is there a vaccine for mumps?
- What is the prognosis of a mumps infection?
- Where can people find more information on mumps?
-
Nicotine Nicotine is delivered to the brain through smoking, chewing, or sniffing tobacco. Nicotine is an addictive agent. Common names...learn more »In This ArticleNicotine Article
- What is tobacco addiction?
- Is nicotine addictive?
- Is nicotine the only harmful part of tobacco?
- How is tobacco used?
- What are the common street names for cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and hookah smoking?
- How many teens smoke or use tobacco products?
- How does tobacco deliver its effects?
- What happens when someone uses tobacco for long periods of time?
- What are other adverse health effects of smoking and tobacco abuse?
- Smoking and pregnancy: What are the risks?
- How is tobacco addiction treated?
- What if a person wants to quit smoking or using tobacco?
-
Peptic Ulcer A peptic ulcer is an ulcer in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Ulcer formation is related to Helicobacter...learn more »In This ArticlePeptic Ulcer Article
- Peptic ulcer facts
- What is a peptic ulcer?
- What causes of peptic ulcers?
- What are symptoms of peptic ulcers?
- How is a peptic ulcer diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for peptic ulcers?
- What are the complications of peptic ulcers?
- Peptic ulcer summary
-
Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) There are many symptoms involved in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy. The first early pregnancy symptom is typically...learn more »In This ArticlePregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters) Article
- Pregnancy facts*
- Introduction
- What is the first trimester (week 1-week 12)?
- What is the second trimester (week 13-week 28)?
- What is the third trimester (week 29-week 40)?
- How will my baby develop week by week?
- What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during her 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy?
- Body aches
- Breast changes
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue, sleep problems
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Hemorrhoids
- Itching
- Leg cramps
- Morning sickness
- Nasal problems
- Numb or tingling hands
- Stretch marks, skin changes
- Swelling
- Urinary frequency and leaking
- Varicose veins
-
Stroke A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »In This ArticleStroke Article
- Stroke facts
- What is a stroke?
- What causes a stroke?
- What are the risk factors for stroke?
- What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
- What is the impact of strokes?
- What are stroke symptoms?
- What should be done if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
- How is a stroke diagnosed?
- What is the treatment of a stroke?
- What complications can occur after a stroke?
- What can be done to prevent a stroke?
- What is in the future for stroke treatment?
Other Causes of Decreased Appetite
- Bacterial Infections
- Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hormone Disorders
- Liver Failure
- Medications
- Parasitic Infection
- Toxins/Poisoning
- Tumors
- Viral Infections
Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.




















