For most of us, eating has become an everyday pleasure. It’s also a particularly pleasant time of sharing, especially when spent with loved ones. But did you know that on certain days, appetite can wane? Sometimes it can even last until you just don’t feel like eating anymore. This can happen to anyone, and in most cases the problem resolves itself.

However, when it persists, it can become very dangerous. At its worst, it can become anorexia, the most common psychiatric illness to cause death. Women are generally the most affected by this pathology. So if you’re showing symptoms, you need to take action before the situation really gets out of hand.

No more desire to eat: is it dangerous?

The human body works in amazing ways. Hunger, for example, is a kind of signal that your metabolism sends to the brain to remind it that you need energy. It’s a highly complex system involving the secretion of a hormone called “gueralin”. This reaction takes place in the stomach and leads to the sensation of hunger. In some individuals, however, this process no longer operates optimally. This can lead to a loss or reduction of appetite, until the person no longer feels like eating.

When you lose your desire to eat, there’s usually nothing to worry about. This is perfectly normal! But if the problem persists for more than two consecutive weeks, you should consult a doctor. Indeed, this situation can lead to real health problems that can be quite serious. Because of undernutrition (i.e. insufficient nutritional intake), your body can no longer keep up. The nutrients absorbed are no longer proportional to the body’s energy expenditure. And, not surprisingly, you’ll be putting your health at risk.

When you no longer feel like eating, a number of things can happen. These include:

Chronic fatigue;
Weakening of the immune system;
Loss of bone strength (leading to osteoporosis);
Amenorrhea (absence of menstrual periods for more than three months), or even infertility;
Anemia;
Deterioration in physical vitality;
Rapid weight loss;
Even death (due to somatic complications).

In fact, the risk of death is very high when it comes to eating disorders, especially those related to loss of appetite and food deprivation. So take it seriously.

No longer wanting to eat: what are the possible causes?

This pathology can be both organic and/or physical in origin. In fact, there is not one, but several factors that can lead to a reduction or loss of appetite. There may also be related symptoms linked to other health problems. But one thing is certain: the situation can become truly dangerous if it isn’t dealt with quickly. The causes can therefore be diverse, but here are the most common of them. (You need to identify the reason why you no longer feel like eating, so you can treat it in time).

DRUG TREATMENTS
Most of the time, doctors start by examining the treatments their patients are taking, to rule out the possibility that the lack of appetite is due to them. Indeed, certain medications are often associated with a lack of interest in food. This is particularly common in cancer patients. Sometimes the problem stems from the disease itself, but treatments also affect the taste of food. The result is “food disgust”.

The same applies to certain pharmaceutical substances that make you no longer want to eat, including :

Antibiotics;
Medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
Analgesics (codeine, morphine).

They slow down digestion and upset your stomach. Specific drugs such as digoxin, fluoxetine, quinidine and hydralazine are also known to have serious side effects, including anorexia.

ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG ADDICTION
Excessive alcohol consumption also inhibits the sensation of hunger. And with good reason: your body can’t store it. Once ingested, it is rapidly broken down for easy excretion. You won’t want to eat, because you’ll always feel full. What’s more, this drink is packed with calories, but is also very low in nutrients. This means your body may be bursting with energy, but you won’t be getting enough vitamins and minerals. Loss of appetite is also one of the consequences of abusing hallucinogens and stimulants such as cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines.

Stress and loss of appetite

This is probably one of the most common causes of food disgust. When you’re anxious, your body reacts accordingly. You won’t feel like eating, because it goes into a state of combat. This then triggers emotional and psychological changes designed to help you cope with the pressure. These changes often affect the stomach and digestive tract, and can cause you to lose your appetite. If anxiety is the cause, your hunger usually returns once you feel more relaxed. In the case of chronic stress, it would certainly be best to seek help from a qualified mental health professional.

Underlying psychological disorders

Sometimes, emotional pain just doesn’t make you want to eat anymore. So don’t overlook its destructive power. Your distress, if left untreated, can actually cause a lot of unpleasantness.

The different types of depression;
Vivid disappointment;
Despair;
General malaise…

They can lead to a loss of enthusiasm. And this drop in motivation will be felt in every aspect of your life, right down to your diet. Similarly, lack of appetite can be a symptom of depression, as can low mood, loss of concentration and insomnia. So maybe it’s time to take care of your psychological health.

No longer wanting to eat: what can you do about it?

Temporary or permanent disinterest in food is not a problem to be taken lightly. You need to act before the situation worsens or causes irreparable damage. It becomes urgent to treat it, especially when you start experiencing worrying symptoms such as incessant nausea, chronic fatigue or very rapid, uncontrolled weight loss. These are indeed warning signs that your body is giving out.

In fact, there are many solutions available to you if you don’t feel like eating for more than 2 weeks. Here are a few of the best ones to help you in your fight.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the main treatment for eating disorders. Especially when it comes to anorexia nervosa. This approach has already proved its worth. It’s based on a variety of techniques designed to help you understand your thought processes. They teach you to interact in a healthier way with your feelings and behaviors. This enables you to identify the reason why you no longer feel like eating. As a result, you’ll be better equipped to change your self-destructive habits. You’ll develop effective strategies to combat your unhappiness.

What’s more, personalized sessions are also available. In fact, this type of therapy usually focuses on patient-specific goals. So you can be sure that your therapist will suggest the solution that’s most likely to work for you. In fact, there is a wide range of treatments to choose from. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This can be invaluable when you no longer feel like eating.

COOKING WORKSHOPS
Eating disorders are particularly difficult to pin down. Very often, they are accompanied by obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours that end up being very burdensome, not only for the patient themselves, but also for those around them. Excessive sorting, improbable mixing, disgust for certain types of food (such as meat), exaggerated measurement of each calorie… All these habits further accentuate the disgust with food.

Yet eating can be a real pleasure. And there are culinary workshops to help you relearn how to enjoy these moments of sharing. These are aimed at people who no longer feel like eating, especially those suffering from anorexia. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go if your disorder is still mild. On the contrary, act while there’s still time. During these sessions, you’ll learn to

Cooking;
Maintain a healthy relationship with food;
Share convivial experiences with others;
Recreate strong social bonds with those around you.

What’s more, these sessions are usually led by qualified psychologists or specialists. You can ask all the questions that are on your mind. They can give useful advice if you don’t feel like eating for fear of putting on weight. You’ll also have the chance to rediscover the basics of a balanced diet, which may comfort you in your approach.

MOBILE APPLICATIONS
Technology never ceases to amaze. And on a certain level, it can become our best ally. A number of mobile applications are now available to combat eating disorders. They are the ideal companion for managing your compulsive behaviors. And they’ll get you on the road to recovery in no time. There’s something for everyone, from anorexia (or anyone who doesn’t feel like eating anymore) to binge eating. You’re sure to find the option that suits you best.

But it’s also a double-edged sword that can lead to infobesity if you’re not careful. Stick to the essentials, and only trust authority sites. These will always offer reliable, verified information.

NO LONGER FEELING LIKE EATING: A FEW FINAL THOUGHTS
Eating is a vital necessity. It’s essential because it provides our bodies with the energy and nutrients they need to function efficiently. It also provides our bodies with what they need to stay healthy. This is why it’s important to take the necessary steps if you notice a drop or loss of appetite. Even if the problem is only recent. The sooner you act, the better.

Don’t wait until the situation becomes serious.
As soon as you start to feel that you no longer feel like eating, take action.
Seek help from a qualified professional, if necessary.
But most importantly, be optimistic. There are excellent treatments that can change your life.

Similarly, if you (or someone you know) is suffering from anorexia or another eating disorder, please seek treatment immediately.

It’s up to you…