Loss of Appetite

1) What it is

Loss of appetite can happen with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, medication effects, or stress. If severe or prolonged, it needs medical review.

2) Feels like

“Food makes me feel sick.”

“I can’t face eating.”

“My stomach is tight all day.”

3) Signs

• skipping meals
• weight loss
• nausea or stomach tightness
• fatigue and dizziness
• irritability
• concentration problems

4) Causes

• anxiety (fight/flight shuts appetite)
• depression
• grief
• medication side effects
• eating disorders (sometimes)
• health conditions (needs checking)

5) Triggers

• panic and stress
• conflict
• mornings (high anxiety time)
• strong smells
• pressure to eat

6) Helps now

• small “safe foods” (toast, soup, yogurt)
• little and often
• warm drinks
• calm breathing before eating
• reduce pressure and guilt

7) Longer-term

• routine meals
• treat anxiety/depression
• nutrition support
• check physical causes with GP

8) Treatment

• GP review
• talking therapies
• dietitian support if needed

9) Medication

Depends on cause (nausea/anxiety/depression treated clinically)

10) Tips

• focus on nourishment not perfection
• keep snacks accessible
• hydration matters too

11) Urgent

Urgent if:

• rapid weight loss
• dehydration
• fainting
• eating disorder risk
• suicidal thoughts

12) UK help

• NHS GP / urgent help
• Samaritans / Shout
• Beat (if eating disorder concerns)

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