What Is Appetite?

Appetite is your desire to eat, which is different from hunger. While hunger is a physical sensation that signals your body needs food, appetite is influenced by both physical and psychological factors.

Appetite is regulated by several systems in your body, including the digestive, endocrine, and nervous systems. Two key hormones—ghrelin (which stimulates hunger) and leptin (which signals fullness)—work together to help control appetite and satiety.

What Affects Your Appetite?

Appetite levels can increase or decrease due to various internal and external influences. Common factors include:

  • Environment (e.g., surroundings, smells)

  • Lifestyle (e.g., activity levels, sleep)

  • Mental health (e.g., stress, anxiety, depression)

  • Physical health (e.g., illness, pain)

  • Sensory input (e.g., taste, smell)

The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, is the control center that manages hunger and fullness by processing signals from hormones like ghrelin and leptin.

Causes of Decreased Appetite

Loss of appetite can occur due to:

  • Anorexia nervosa

  • Cancer

  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., CKD, COPD)

  • Dementia

  • Hepatitis

  • HIV/AIDS

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Mental health issues (e.g., depression)

  • Early pregnancy

Certain medications, such as antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or morphine, may also suppress appetite.

Causes of Increased Appetite

An unusually high appetite may be related to:

  • Anxiety or stress

  • Bulimia

  • Hormonal imbalances (e.g., diabetes, hyperthyroidism)

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

  • Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

  • Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, antidepressants)

How To Increase Appetite

If you’re struggling with low appetite, try these tips:

  • Eat foods you enjoy – favorite flavors can stimulate interest in eating.

  • Enhance food flavors – use herbs, spices, and sauces.

  • Try light exercise – can naturally boost hunger, especially in older adults.

  • Get professional advice – a dietitian can help with meal planning, especially if a medical condition affects your eating.

How To Suppress Appetite

To manage an increased appetite or overeating:

  • Stay hydrated – sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger.

  • Eat mindfully – slow down and pay attention to fullness cues.

  • Lean on support – eat with friends or family to avoid emotional eating.

  • Consult a professional – a healthcare provider can assess and create a tailored nutrition plan.

What To Eat When You Don't Feel Like Eating

If you have no appetite but need to eat:

  • Choose liquid meals – smoothies, soups, or shakes are easier to consume.

  • Improve your eating environment – use colorful dishes or pleasant settings to make eating more appealing.

  • Add flavor – herbs, spices, and sauces can make meals more enjoyable.

  • Use supplements – nutritional shakes or vitamins may help, but only under medical supervision.

When To See a Doctor

It’s normal for appetite to fluctuate from time to time. However, seek medical care if you:

  • Experience persistent appetite changes

  • Notice unexplained weight changes (e.g., loss of 10+ pounds in 6–12 months)

  • Show signs of an eating disorder, depression, or substance use

  • Take medications that alter appetite

  • Have additional symptoms alongside appetite loss

Your healthcare provider may review your health history and recommend blood tests, hormone panels, or psychological assessments as needed.

Quick Recap

  • Appetite is your desire to eat—it’s influenced by more than just physical hunger.

  • Multiple factors—like your mood, health, and hormones—can affect appetite.

  • Persistent changes in appetite or weight warrant a discussion with your healthcare provider.

  • There are ways to stimulate or suppress appetite depending on your needs, from dietary changes to mindfulness practices.