What it is
Significant increases or decreases in appetite that may reflect hormonal changes, emotional states, illness, or medication effects, with meaningful nutritional consequences.
Emerging evidence
Appetite Change
Significant increases or decreases in appetite that may reflect hormonal changes, emotional states, illness, or medication effects, with meaningful nutritional consequences.
CategoryDigestive
Reviewed by Internal Medical Editorial Team · Editorial Health Review
26 March 2026
At a glance
Appetite Change at a glance
Commonly experienced as
- Appetite changes can be confusing and distressing regardless of direction. Reduced appetite with unintentional weight loss generates anxiety; increased appetite with unwanted weight gain produces different distress. Many people find their relationship with food becomes more fraught when appetite feels out of their control.
