Loss of Appetite

Alternate Names : Anorexia, Decreased Appetite

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause. For instance, avoiding drugs known to cause a loss of appetite can prevent cases due to drugs. Proper control of diabetes can prevent cases due to this cause. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Malnutrition, which is a lack of necessary food and nutrients in the body, is a concern if a loss of appetite lasts for more than a few weeks. Other long-term effects are related to the cause. For instance, diabetes can cause damage to many different organs in the body, including the kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Cancer can cause death. Infections that can be treated with antibiotics often go away and have no long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

A loss of appetite is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, the cause of a loss of appetite, such as an infection like pneumonia, may be contagious.