7 causes that reduce appetite in adults and how to face it

Over the years, the appetite It can decrease gradually or suddenly. In the older peopleEating less not only means a change in habits, but can also point out physical or emotional problems that require some attention. Maintaining a balanced diet is key to avoid malnutrition, weight loss and lack of energy.

The gastroenterologist Nick ThompsonPresident of the British Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Association (BapeN)points out seven common factors that affect the appetite of the elderly and offers advice to counteract them.

1. Dental problems

Oral health directly impacts people’s feeding. Desalineration, loss of dental pieces or pain when chewing can limit the variety of food. “Dentition usually gets worse in the elderly, which can contribute to the decrease in appetite,” said Thompson. Avoiding certain foods reduces nutritional diversity.

2. Limited mobility

For many older people, getting food can become a big problem. “As we age, we could have difficulty going to the supermarket because we do not drive, we have a disability or vision problems,” said Thompson.

3. Depression and mental health

The emotional state of a person also directly influences their diet. “One of the cardinal characteristics of depression is a change in appetite,” Thompson told The Independent. The lack of interest in preparing meals and demotivation can generate lack of nutrients, affecting physical and mental health.

4. Effects of medication

The use of different drugs usually increases over the years and generate a lack of appetite in the elderly. “Many antidepressants and analgesics, in particular, can affect appetite,” said Thompson. Some alter the taste, cause nausea or early satiety, which may require medical adjustments.

5. Chronic or acute diseases

Health problems reduce hunger, and their incidence usually increases with age. Digestive diseases, such as bacteria overgrowth in the small intestine (Sibo) affects the feeling of appetite.

6. Loneliness and isolation

The social environment of a person can also be key in food. “With some older people who live alone, when they ask them what they eat, they usually say they don’t feel like,” Thompson told The Independent. The loss of a companion can simplify meals, limiting variety and nutritional quality.

7. Constipation

Intestinal transit is usually slowed over the years and can worsen by immobility, rest or certain drugs. “When you are congested, you often do not have so much hunger,” Thompson explained.

How to stimulate appetite?

Thompson recommends identifying the cause of loss of appetite. “The factors that contribute to the decrease in appetite and the balance of the reasons vary according to the person, so it is important to ask why as a little less,” he said. In addition, it provides certain recommendations:

1. Make food a social moment: Sharing the table with other people favors a more regular and varied intake.
2. Check the medication with medical supervision to detect drugs that can influence appetite
3. Keep Physical activity Regular: “The more muscle you have, the better your function will be and you can do more; it is a direct relationship,” says Thompson.
4. Improve the Diet quality: Incorporate fruits, vegetables and detect possible nutrients such as vitamin D.