Anorexia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Anorexia is a common condition that many people face on a daily basis. It can happen for many different reasons, from stress at work to health problems and feelings of fatigue. However, if anorexia persists, it can cause serious health problems, be debilitating, and impact quality of life. In this article, dive deeper into anorexia, its common causes, and ways to overcome it to maintain a healthy and nutritious diet.

What is anorexia?

Anorexia is a condition that occurs when you don't feel hungry or have an appetite. This condition can happen suddenly or gradually over a long period of time. Loss of appetite is usually a cause for concern if it persists for more than a week.

Difference between anorexia and eating disorder

Loss of appetite is a phenomenon in which you do not feel hungry or have no desire to eat food. This is a symptom that can have many causes, for example due to illness, psychological, medication, or some other cause. Loss of appetite can cause additional symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.

Anorexia is a serious eating disorder in which sufferers tend to lose weight in an unhealthy way and intentionally eat less than what their body needs to stay healthy. Anorexia can be a dangerous disease that can cause many health problems and can lead to death.

Causes of decreased appetite

Bacteria and viruses

Decreased appetite can be caused by bacterial, viral, fungal or other infections at any site.

Here are some causes of it:

• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Pneumonia
• Gastroenteritis
• Colitis
• Skin infections
• Meningitis

Psychological causes

There are many psychological causes of decreased hunger. Your appetite may also decrease when you are sad, stressed, depression, is going through a process of grief or anxiety. Boredom and stress have also been linked to decreased hunger.

Other diseases

The following medical conditions can cause decreased appetite:

• Chronic liver disease
• Kidney failure
• Heart failure
• Hepatitis
• HIV
• Dementia
• Hypothyroidism

Cancer can also cause loss of appetite, especially if the cancer is concentrated in the following areas:

• Colon
• Stomach
• Ovary
• Pancreas
• In early pregnancy can also cause loss of appetite.

Some medications have side effects

Some drugs and substances can reduce your appetite. This includes illegal drugs – such as cocaine, heroin and amphetamines – along with prescription drugs.

Is anorexia dangerous?

Loss of appetite can be a symptom of many different diseases and conditions, ranging from mild to severe. If the loss of appetite persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, headaches, or shortness of breath, you should see your doctor for timely examination and treatment.

If left untreated, anorexia can lead to malnutrition and poor immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to infections and other illnesses. As mentioned above, the treatment of anorexia depends on the cause of the symptoms, and it may include medication, diet, or other therapies such as psychotherapy. You should get regular checkups and monitor your body to spot symptoms early and get the help you need.

How to treat anorexia?

Treatment for anorexia depends on what's causing it. Your doctor may perform some blood tests or diagnostic imaging to learn more about the cause of your symptoms and help treat them. Treatment may include:

• Treat the root cause of any illness causing anorexia.
• Use of appetite stimulants such as low-dose corticosteroids, cyproheptadine, megestrol, and dronabinol (with specialist guidance)
• Change in dosage or medications you are taking (talk to your doctor about your medical condition and he or she will consider changes for you)
• See a dietitian to help you manage your eating habits.
• Take vitamins or supplements as recommended by your doctor.

Some ways to improve anorexia at home

You can self-treat anorexia at home in the following ways:

• Eat regular meals: These meals may be smaller than usual. Try to eat small meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, even if you're not hungry.
• Choose foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals: These foods can help replenish the nutrients you're lacking quickly.
• Plan a meal with family or friends: Having a support system during meals can help motivate you to eat the nutrients your body needs.

• Exercise regularly: Yoga, or play sports to promote health while reducing stress.

When to treat anorexia by a doctor?

See your doctor if your loss of appetite is causing the following problems:

• You have similar symptoms for more than a week.
• Sudden weight loss.
• Feel additional symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, fast heartbeat, and irritability.
• Anorexia can be serious if prolonged and untreated. Sudden and unexplained loss of hunger is considered a sign that you should see your doctor for advice.

Nguyen hopes that the above sharing will be effective and useful for your anorexia. Besides, there are also many articles on health and yoga therapy at Nguyen's blog, especially Youtube channel Nguyen's has many other useful exercises and movements that can improve your health, stay tuned and look forward to it with Nguyen!