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.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
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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
Examples of Medications for Decreased Appetite
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