Losing Weight And Have No Appetite

For many of us, losing weight is welcomed! However, if you are losing weight or you have lost your appetite and there is no real explanation for this, then you should contact your GP practice.

Weight loss can occur for lots of reasons, including dieting, exercise and stress. Our weight can also fluctuate regularly and this is no cause for concern.

Unintentional weight loss, however, is something to pay closer attention to. It can be the result of depression, an overactive or underactive thyroid and cancer, including lung cancer, so if you spot a significant difference in your weight – more than 5% of your weight over a 6 -12 month period – and there is no obvious reason for this, it can be a cause for concern and you need to seek medical advice.

Unexplained Weight Loss: Definition, Causes, Diagnosis

It is also important to contact your GP practice if you are losing weight and are experiencing other symptoms, as this might be a sign of lung cancer. Additional symptoms include:

Like many, Keshu was happy when he first noticed he lost weight. His wife and daughter even commented on how good he looked having lost a few pounds. But then, it got them thinking. Weight loss was unusual for Keshu and when he also developed a cough, they pushed him to go to his doctor. Keshu resisted; he wasn’t a fan of the doctors. Sadly, he later went on to be diagnosed with lung cancer, leaving his loved ones with lots of ‘what ifs’?

It can be difficult to spot the difference with your weight, particularly if you are actively trying to lose a few pounds so we have created a symptoms tracker where you can keep a note of:

Ways To Increase Your Appetite

Under the guidelines of the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), your GP should offer you an urgent chest x-ray if you are:

If you are not offered a chest x-ray and you fit this criteria, or if you are really worried about your symptoms, don’t be afraid to ask for an x-ray, or for a second opinion.When you have lost your appetite or sense of taste, enjoying your usual meals can be a real challenge – especially when you are unwell and already have enough on your plate.

While these symptoms of illnesses like COVID-19 mean food may not taste the same or your go-to dishes hold little appeal when you are sick, you still need to stay hydrated and get in enough nutritious foods to help your body recover.

Yes, Drinking More Water May Help You Lose Weight

Here is the lowdown on why you still need to eat and drink regularly while recovering, plus what to reach for in the fridge or pantry when you have no appetite.

When you are sick, it is important that you eat high-quality healthy foods to help your immune system fight off the illness.

Not only will lack of food delay your recovery; it will put your body into a starvation state and make you lethargic and fatigued. On top of this, not getting enough water and other fluids will make you dehydrated, adding to fatigue. Dehydration of as little as 2% loss of your body weight can impair your physiological responses and performance. Because being unwell can lead to more fluid loss than usual (such as sweating from a fever or vomiting), replacing those fluids is a must.

Covid In Last 4 Weeks Eating Well

The best way to ensure you are keeping hydrated is to drink enough water, aiming for 8-10 cups per day. This, combined with following a healthy balanced diet (including plenty of fruits and vegetables) will ensure you are getting all the fluid and nutrients you need.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland’s Principal Nutritionist, Mathew Dick, says the two things to remember are to stay hydrated and maximise your energy intake through the food and drinks you are able to consume.

“There’s no need to serve big portions or force yourself to cook your usual meals during this time. Keep it simple and go for small amounts of nutritious, high-energy food and drinks regularly throughout the day. If you are feeling up to it, gentle exercise can help to stimulate your appetite. This could be a walk around the garden, or some stretches in the living room.”

Common Reasons Why Seniors Can Unexpectedly Lose Weight

You may experience weight loss depending on how long your poor appetite lasts. Weigh yourself regularly if you have scales to check if you are losing weight.

Rapid weight loss when you are not eating well will be mostly from fluid loss and can be a sign that you need to drink more fluids. However, see your doctor if weight loss continues or you are not able to regain weight when eating normally.

If you have had a fever, have been vomiting, or have not been able to eat your normal amount of food, you may like to consider replacing the electrolytes you have lost. Electrolytes are minerals we need for our body to function properly (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride). They support hydration, regulate nerve and muscle function and help your body produce energy when you are not able to consume your normal diet. Look for electrolyte containing drinks to support you while you are unwell. However, if this continues more than a couple of days, you need to speak with your GP or healthcare professional.

How To Help An Older Adult With Unintentional Weight Loss

For latte lovers, keep in mind headaches can occur due to a withdrawal of caffeine if you have hit pause on your usual tea and coffee routine. You may want to try freshly brewed iced tea or coffee while recovering.

Remember, it is still important to eat and drink even if you have no appetite to help you on the road to recovery. Your appetite will return. In the meantime, learn why you should stock up on frozen and tinned veggies for a nutritious and delicious meal when you feel back up to cooking.

Health and Wellbeing Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands from across Queensland. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present for they are holders of the memories, traditions, the culture and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Queensland.

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