Appetite Loss by Margaret Stoklosa

Posted on December 6th, 2023

The body is primed to demand foods at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day to ensure a steady supply of energy to the brain and organs. While a slowdown in demand for food naturally occurs with aging due to a decreased metabolic rate, the demand for food should not wane entirely, especially not in our middle years. If it does, we must consider other causes and work to correct them. Below are some reasons you may be experiencing low or no appetite.

• Smoking/Vaping

The nicotine in cigarettes and vapes is a known appetite suppressant as it releases neurochemicals that disrupt regular appetite signals.

• Coffee Overconsumption/Substitution

Caffeine has been shown to be an appetite suppressant, and when consumed in excess or in high-calorie drinks, it can suppress the natural appetite signals. (1)

• Low Movement

Your body is made to move. When movement is reduced due to unintentional (e.g., surgery) or intentional (e.g., increased sitting) behavior, the body compensates by pulling back the demand for consumption due to reduced muscle action.

• Low Zinc Levels

Zinc stimulates the appropriate neuropeptides wired for appetite. (2) When there is a deficiency in zinc, appetite is low, and both taste and smell sensations are reduced.

• Low Stomach Acid

Adequate stomach acid is required for appropriate food breakdown. When secretions are reduced due to age, chronic disease, H. pylori, or other causes, the body’s ability to breakdown food products is reduced, and thus, the demand for food is tampered with.

• Macronutrient Intake

High protein intakes naturally result in increased satiety and increased digestive time due to breakdown mechanisms; thus, appetite is generally reduced. High-fat diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may also suppress your desire to eat due to mechanisms related to the release of ketones. (5)

• Gastroparesis

This disorder stops the appropriate flow of digestion from the stomach to the small intestine and results in almost paralysis of muscular movement. (3) While typically present in those with diabetes, this disorder is becoming more commonplace with GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide. (6)

• Chronic Disease

Both anorexia (loss of appetite) and cachexia (wasting) can occur with chronic illness and/or cancer. In these conditions, the body uses resources to deal with the repair of tissues, and digestion takes a back seat.

• Nervous System Dysregulation

The central nervous system regulates the symphony of inputs, both from environmental cues and bodily tissues. (4) When there is dysregulation due to environmental contaminants, stress, genetic triggers, or direct injury, inputs are disrupted and the normal signaling process is perturbed.

Addressing appetite loss requires understanding either the triggers or the underlying conditions leading to it. If you are experiencing appetite loss and need an appropriate nutritional approach, you can schedule an appointment with our in-house clinical nutritionist to assist you in addressing the root cause.