What Causes Appetite Loss?

Posted on Wed, 22 Oct 2014

Question: I haven't eaten much in the last few weeks. When I do, it's very little and I feel awful afterwards. I can drink anything, and I'm ok. I've basically been living off of Starbucks double shot energy drinks and powerade and dr pepper on the days I work. I work in a kitchen and the idea of eating just doesn't cross my mind no matter how hungry I am. I might eat a hand full of chips but that's about it. When I get home, I'll make me something to eat and then just not eat but maybe a bite or 2 then throw it away. I feel sick at the end of the day and exhausted. When I get stressed out I don't eat, and I've been stressed, but this is a little different. I started getting dull cramps like period cramps about 2 days after my period finished (I wasn't eating days before this happened) I was extremely constipated for about 3 days (I usually get that way after my period) and drank nothing but cranberry juice and a little water. I know I don't drink nearly enough because I rarely ever drink water. I feel weak and shaky by the end of the day, and even sometimes by mid day. I have been having trouble sleeping, waking up constantly and tossing and turning. Because I am drinking something constantly (usually soda or powerade and sometimes milk) I'm going to the bathroom a little bit more often than usual but not to the extreme and *TMI* my urine is a pale almost clear color.. When I eat it darkens some but not much. It's usually not like that. I've been burping a lot (usually tiny little ones). Right now my stomach is cramping.. And I'm hungry but I don't want to eat. I had a root beer float and now I feel not really sick but don't feel good. I've tried to eat salads and healthier foods but it doesn't matter what I try to eat, I just don't want it. And after eating a few bites I'm full. I'm starting to wonder if something's wrong with me.

Answered by Dr. T Shobha Deepak (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Little habit modification is all that required

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Greetings
Welcome to Healthcaremagic

I completely understand your situation and before I could advise you on anything let me first inform you that you are absolutely fine and little modifications in your habits shall help you overcome your current issues.

What you are undergoing is similar to occupational hazard, and believe me I have come across many chef's and house wives who have similar complaints. This is quite common and normal as well.

Also mild abdominal cramps is common during periods. This would subside on its own. Should be fine in couple of next few hours.

Here are few of the advise for change in your habits that shall help you regain interest in eating well again.
1. Once you are back home from work take good warm water bath relaxingly
2. Listen to great music which shall pump in energy and enthusiasm in you
3. Plan new and tasty menu almost everyday for you which shall increase your interest level in coming as well tasting new dishes
4. Pack this new dish to work place too and have it for your lunch. Make friends and share with them at your work place. Their applaud shall motivate you further.
5. Try same with neighbour's too
6. Try to eat healthy slowly. Avoid soda and carbonated drinks
7. Enjoy cooking food for the most important person on this earth that's YOU
8. Also find out if anything is bothering you and try to get rid of it
9. Watch matter chef's :)

Right food leads to right sleep and they both lead to healthy happy life. Always remember this. Be happy always.

Do let me know for any additional information anytime.

Take care.

Best regards
Dr.T. Shobha Deepak
MBBS, MD

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar