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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Appetite Loss In Elderly?

I am 5 9 and around 140lbs. I have been thin my whole life and have to work very hard not to drop weight. I can easily drop 5lbs without enough sleep or too much physical work and especially stress. I have had my thyroid checked and my blood sugar checked-they were normal. I am vegetarian, but I do use dairy, I have suppplemented with b12, zinc and even creatine. I eat three good meals a day and sometimes snacks or weight gaining shakes just to try and push more calories. I work out with weights and have an active lifestyle. I have three children and they are skinny also. My question is: 1. Why do I have to eat so much compared to similar people in my lifestyle, and still not gain, I already know that I have a fast metabolism, but that doesn t help me fix anything. 2. When I am hungry I eat, but my appetite disappears after the first 10 bites. Sometimes, I have to force myself to eat. Why? and what to do?
Mon, 1 Feb 2021
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Loss of appetite in the elderly is commonly due to chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic issue, GERD, digestive disorders like UC and CD. Other medical conditions that may cause loss of appetite are liver dysfunction, dementia or alzheimer's disease, malnutrition, eating disorders, depression, stress, tensions (emotional or physical), lack of adequate sleep, etc. You are suggested to stay active and cheerful. Avoid anxiety, stress and tensions at all cost. Stay away from addictions if any. Take adequate sleep.

Avoid taking hot, spicy food. Do not take oily food. Take food that is easily digestible. Avoid food that takes a longer time to digest like red meat, full fat dairy products, etc. Take antacids & PPIs to let go any gastric problems. Take liver tonics to boost your liver functions. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP, get liver function tests, thyroid function tests, blood workouts, urinalysis done to detect the pathology causing loss of appetite and inability to gain weight.

You may be recommended by the treating doctor to get the required Imaging tests and stool tests (ova and parasite test) done to detect worms or any other medical condition that is causing you discomfort. If worms are detected you will be dewormed else you will be treated according to the pathology detected.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Causes Appetite Loss In Elderly?

Hello, Loss of appetite in the elderly is commonly due to chronic diseases like diabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic issue, GERD, digestive disorders like UC and CD. Other medical conditions that may cause loss of appetite are liver dysfunction, dementia or alzheimer s disease, malnutrition, eating disorders, depression, stress, tensions (emotional or physical), lack of adequate sleep, etc. You are suggested to stay active and cheerful. Avoid anxiety, stress and tensions at all cost. Stay away from addictions if any. Take adequate sleep. Avoid taking hot, spicy food. Do not take oily food. Take food that is easily digestible. Avoid food that takes a longer time to digest like red meat, full fat dairy products, etc. Take antacids & PPIs to let go any gastric problems. Take liver tonics to boost your liver functions. You are suggested to get clinically examined by a GP, get liver function tests, thyroid function tests, blood workouts, urinalysis done to detect the pathology causing loss of appetite and inability to gain weight. You may be recommended by the treating doctor to get the required Imaging tests and stool tests (ova and parasite test) done to detect worms or any other medical condition that is causing you discomfort. If worms are detected you will be dewormed else you will be treated according to the pathology detected. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician