Relation Between Loss Of Appetite & Symtoms Of Weight Loss

All of a sudden changes in the eating proportion of the individual

Appetite loss may be defined as person with appetite loss may eat less than his usual diet and not feeling hungry at all or there is a feeling of satisfaction after eating only a small amount of food. Appetite loss in individuals may also lead to weight loss, malnutrition and loss of muscle and strength. Combination of weight loss and loss of muscle is termed as wasting or cachexia.

Individuals having cancer such as ovarian, pancreatic and stomach are more likely to have appetite loss as it directly affects the metabolism rate. some of the more causes which are behind the appetite loss are early satiety which means feeling of fullness as there is accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and chemotherapy, immunotherapy and sedative medications such as the drugs which can cause a feeling of calmness or sleepiness. In addition to all these several radiation treatment or surgeries in any parts of gastrointestinal glands can also be a major factor behind the appetite loss.

It is also seen that many of the side effects which are associated with chemotherapy and many radiation treatments plays a role in appetite loss of the individual such as nausea and vomiting , having mouth sores, dry mouth, chewing difficulties, sudden change in taste buds, fatigue and depression.

In treating or trying to solve the problem of appetite loss first the treatment for conditions such as mouth sores, dry mouth, depression is to be implemented and then the appetite stimulating medications that will help the food to move through intestine, nutritional supplemental drinks and tube feeding the nasogastric tube that paves the way from nose to the stomach is to be put into line.

It should be noted that having good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight is a healthy sign in recovering from the cancer.

Some of the important tips in maintaining proper nutrition in spite of having poor appetite are:

- Make a habit of having five to six meals a day
- Checking with your metabolism rate when it high or low
- Having protein rich foods such as dried fruits, yogurt, chese,egg and milkshakes
- Try to eat in pleasant surroundings
- Doing light exercise before your meal can stimulate your diet
- Try adding spices and condiments to make them more appealing.