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What Causes Lack Of Appetite In An Elderly Person?

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Posted on Wed, 29 Jun 2016
Question: I am 85 in good health, but have little or no appetite. I breakfast eat, lunch and dinner, small meals if hungry or not. but do not get hungry or have any taste for food.
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Answered by Dr. Muhammad Hanif (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can be a sign of some serious disease too. Needs further evaluation!

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM and thanks for the consultation here at this forum. I appreciate your concerns and genuine health issues.

I have thoroughly reviewed your case and want to add here that the symptoms you mentioned warrant a thorough physical evaluation and some diagnostic tests where applicable and needed.

It may be due to:
Gastrointestinal tract abnormality causing issues with appetite.
Deficiency of nutrients.
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
Diabetes mellitus.
Cancers also cause loss of appetite (anorexia).
Liver diseases like hepatitis or cancer of liver.


Restriction of diet may lead to decreased heartbeats, low body core temperature, decreased metabolism of body and low blood pressure. It causes low body weight and body mass index typically may go as low as less than 18.5.


Please consult a Gastroenterologist for thorough evaluation and management. In the process, you may consult me anytime directly from my profile when you need further assistance.

Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Muhammad Hanif

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 2369 Questions

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What Causes Lack Of Appetite In An Elderly Person?

Brief Answer: Can be a sign of some serious disease too. Needs further evaluation! Detailed Answer: Welcome to HCM and thanks for the consultation here at this forum. I appreciate your concerns and genuine health issues. I have thoroughly reviewed your case and want to add here that the symptoms you mentioned warrant a thorough physical evaluation and some diagnostic tests where applicable and needed. It may be due to: Gastrointestinal tract abnormality causing issues with appetite. Deficiency of nutrients. Fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Diabetes mellitus. Cancers also cause loss of appetite (anorexia). Liver diseases like hepatitis or cancer of liver. Restriction of diet may lead to decreased heartbeats, low body core temperature, decreased metabolism of body and low blood pressure. It causes low body weight and body mass index typically may go as low as less than 18.5. Please consult a Gastroenterologist for thorough evaluation and management. In the process, you may consult me anytime directly from my profile when you need further assistance. Regards!