Decreased Appetite: Symptoms & Signs

Medically Reviewed on 9/10/2019

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.

Related Symptoms & Signs

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

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References
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.