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nxiety
commonly causes a change in appetite. Some people with anxiety tend to overeat
or consume a lot of unhealthful foods. Others, however, lose their desire to
eat when they feel stressed and anxious.
Anxiety is a mental health condition
that affects 40 million adults in the United States each year. Changes
in appetite are one of many possible symptoms.
Keep reading to learn more
about the link between anxiety and a loss of appetite, some potential remedies
and treatments for the problem, and some other common causes of appetite loss.
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loss of appetite is a common symptom when a person feels stressed and anxious.
When someone starts to feel
stressed or anxious, their body begins to release stress hormones.
These hormones activate the sympathetic nervous system and trigger the body's
fight-or-flight response.
The fight-or-flight
response is an instinctive reaction that attempts to keep people safe from
potential threats. It physically prepares the body to either stay and fight a
threat or run away to safety.
This sudden surge of stress
hormones has several physical effects. For example, research suggests that one of the
hormones — corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) — affects the digestive system
and may lead to the suppression of appetite.
Another hormone, cortisol,
increases gastric acid secretion to speed the digestion of food so that the
person can fight or flee more efficiently.
Other digestive effects of
the fight-or-flight response can include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- indigestion
- nausea
This response can cause
additional physical symptoms, such as an increase in breathing rate, heart
rate, and blood pressure. It
also causes muscle tension, pale or flushed skin, and shakiness.
Some of these physical
symptoms can be so uncomfortable that people have no desire to eat. Feeling
constipated, for example, can make the thought of eating seem very
unappetizing.
People who have persistent
anxiety or an anxiety disorder are more likely to have long-term heightened
levels of CRF hormones in their system. As a result, these individuals may be
more likely to experience a prolonged loss of appetite.
On the other hand, people
who experience anxiety less frequently may be more likely to seek comfort from
food and overeat. However, everyone reacts differently to anxiety and stress,
whether it is chronic or short-term.
In fact, the same person
may react differently to mild anxiety and high anxiety. Mild stress may, for
example, cause a person to overeat. If that person experiences severe anxiety,
however, they may lose their appetite. Another person may respond in the
opposite way.
Men and women may also
react differently to anxiety in terms of their food choices and consumption.
One study indicates that women may eat more calories when
anxious. The study also links higher anxiety with a higher body mass index (BMI) in women but not in men.
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Individuals who experience
a loss of appetite due to anxiety should take steps to address the issue.
Long-term appetite loss can lead to health problems. Potential remedies and
treatments include:
1. Understanding anxiety
Simply realizing that
sources of stress can trigger physical sensations can go some way toward
reducing anxiety and its symptoms.
2. Addressing sources of anxiety
Identifying and dealing
with anxiety triggers can sometimes help people regain their appetite. Where
possible, individuals should work to eliminate or reduce stressors.
If this proves challenging,
a person may wish to consider working with a therapist who can help them manage
anxiety triggers.
3. Practicing stress management
Several techniques can
effectively reduce or control anxiety symptoms, including appetite loss.
Examples include:
- deep breathing exercises
- guided imagery practice
- meditation
- mindfulness
- progressive muscle relaxation
4. Choosing nutritious, easily digestible foods
If people cannot eat much,
they should ensure that what they do eat is nutrient-rich. Some good choices
include:
- soups containing a protein source and a variety of
vegetables
- meal-replacement shakes
- smoothies containing fruits, green leafy vegetables,
fat, and protein
It is also a good idea to
opt for easily digestible foods that will not further upset the digestive
system. Examples include rice, white potato, steamed vegetables, and lean
proteins.
People with symptoms of
anxiety may also find it beneficial to avoid foods that are high in fat, salt,
or sugar, as well as high-fiber foods, which can be difficult to digest.
It can also help to limit
the consumption of drinks containing caffeine and alcohol, as these often cause
digestive problems.
5. Eating regularly
Getting into a regular
eating pattern can help the body and brain regulate hunger cues.
Even if someone can only
manage a few bites at each mealtime, this will be better than nothing. Over
time, they can increase the amount that they eat at each sitting.
6. Making other healthful lifestyle choices
When a person is anxious,
they may find it difficult to exercise or sleep. However, both sleep and
physical activity can reduce anxiety and increase appetite.
Individuals should try to
get enough sleep each night by setting a regular sleep schedule.
They should also aim to
exercise most days. Even short bursts of gentle exercise can be helpful. People
who are new to exercise can start small and increase the duration and intensity
of activities over time.
People should see a doctor
if their appetite loss persists for 2 weeks or more, or if they lose weight
rapidly. A doctor can check for an underlying physical condition that may be
causing symptoms.
If the loss of appetite is
purely a result of stress, a doctor can suggest ways to manage the anxiety,
including therapy and lifestyle changes.
They may also prescribe
medication to those with chronic or severe anxiety.
Anxiety is not the only
cause of appetite loss. Other possible causes include:
- Depression: As with anxiety, feeling depressed can cause a loss
of appetite in some people but lead others to overeat.
- Gastroenteritis: Also known as a stomach bug, gastroenteritis can
cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
- Medication: Some medications, including antibiotics and
certain pain relievers, can reduce appetite. They can also cause side
effects that include diarrhea or constipation.
- Intense exercise: Some people, especially endurance athletes,
experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and
intestinal cramping after periods of intense activity, which may result in
a loss of appetite.
- Pregnancy: Some pregnant women may lose their appetite due
to morning sickness or because of pressure on the
stomach.
- Illness: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cancer, can lead to a
reduction in appetite.
- Aging: Appetite loss is common among older adults, possibly
due to a loss of taste and smell or because of illness or medication use.
Anxiety can cause a loss of
appetite or an increase in appetite. These effects are primarily due to
hormonal changes in the body, but some people may also avoid eating as a result
of the physical sensations of anxiety.
Individuals who experience
chronic or severe anxiety should see their doctor.
Sometimes, there may be
other reasons for appetite loss that also require treatment.
Once a person addresses the
anxiety, their appetite will typically return. Without treatment, long-term
appetite loss and chronic anxiety can have serious health consequences.
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