What is anorexia? Anorexia Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The problem of loss of appetite, which results in changes in daily eating habits, is a common situation all over the world. It is possible that anorexia, which may occur due to different factors, can be seen together with various medical problems. It is also possible that decreased appetite is a precursor in some diseases. For this reason, it is important to consult a specialist doctor when you notice a change in your eating habits. You can follow the rest of the article for detailed information about the causes, symptoms and treatment methods of anorexia.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia is a condition that can be defined as the desire to eat and drink less than the previous level. Only a decrease in interest in food can be seen, as well as an aversion to all solid and liquid substances. In order to define anorexia as a nutritional disorder, it is important to know the previous eating habits of the person. In the phase, which is defined as excessive anorexia, it is possible to remain below the daily basic calorie needs of the person, regardless of eating habits. This complaint, which can be seen in all age groups, has different forms. At mild levels, a variation is mentioned according to the person's nutritional history. In more severe levels, there is a nutritional disorder that causes significant physical and psychological changes and threatens the health of the person significantly. Anorexia nervosa, one of the terms that comes to mind when it comes to severe malnutrition, should not be confused with anorexia. In anorexia, the person is indifferent to food. In anorexia nervosa, on the other hand, there is fear of eating behind undernutrition, and as a result, excessive interest in food. As a result, good recognition of anorexia and evaluation of additional diseases gain importance. Compared to your previous eating habits, you observe a noticeable change in your diet, you can consult a specialist doctor.

Why Does Anorexia Occur?

If you experience a significant decrease in interest in food, you can ask, “Why does loss of appetite occur? ” You may be wondering the answer to the question. Causes of anorexia may include:

• Metabolic/endocrine problems,
• Digestive problems,
• Psychiatric causes,
• Infections,
• Inflammatory diseases,
• Oncological diseases,
• Neurological diseases.

Various metabolic problems can lead to loss of appetite. A change in thyroid hormone levels may occur as a result of the thyroid gland working at different levels than normal. In such a case, complaints such as decrease/increase in appetite may occur. Changes in the balance of leptin and ghrelin hormones, which are known as the hormones responsible for the formation of feelings of satiety and hunger, can also cause a decrease in your appetite. Digestive problems such as gastroparesis are among the causes of loss of appetite. The disease, which is defined as gastric outlet obstruction and can be explained as the obstruction of gastric outlet, may also lead to the complaint of decreased appetite by providing early satiety. A decrease in the desire to eat and drink can be seen in various psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Various infectious diseases, especially infections affecting the digestive system, can also impair general health and cause indifference to food. The same is true for inflammatory and oncological diseases. There may also be a decrease in appetite, especially in neurological diseases related to eating function or cognitive disorders such as dementia. Considering that all these conditions can cause anorexia, the correct determination of the underlying cause becomes critical. “What causes anorexia?” In order to answer the question, it is necessary to know the qualifying factors such as the time, duration and severity of the complaints. With an appropriate approach, the correct factor can be determined and treatment can be performed for the cause. Therefore, seeing a specialist doctor for your appetite loss problem can speed up the healing process.

What's Good for Anorexia?

If you are facing a problem with a decrease in appetite, it may be useful to turn to the source of the event. You can compare the number of meals you ate before with your current nutritional status by noting it. You can also list all the treatments you have taken, as the drugs you use or just start may also cause changes in your appetite. In addition, you should not force yourself to eat too much during your complaints. Turn your meals into a routine� You can try to eat at certain time zones by cultivating. For more detailed information on healthy nutrition, you can review the article titled "10 Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Life". If you do not observe an improvement in your appetite when you apply all these measures, you can apply to a health institution and state your complaints. Especially in cases such as sudden loss of appetite, you should see a specialist without wasting time. In case of long-term loss of appetite, your body may be deficient in the essential nutrients it needs.

Symptoms of Anorexia

Some additional symptoms may be seen with decreased appetite:

• Fatigue,
• Weakness,
• Weakening and weakening of the immune system,
• Shortness of breath,
• Dry skin,
• Hair loss,
• Weight loss,
• Inability to concentrate,
• Lack of attention,
• Not enjoying daily activities,
• Forgetfulness.

The most important indicator of loss of appetite is the decrease in the natural desire to eat. The state of reluctance can last all day, or it can occur at certain intervals during the day. You may be experiencing a loss of appetite in the morning while continuing your normal eating habits throughout the day. In order to live a healthy life and feel energetic, you need to eat regularly, healthy and at certain times. When you experience a decrease in your appetite, additional health problems may occur in your daily life. Symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and dizziness may occur. Psychologically, you may find it difficult to start or maintain a job. This can create a stressful mood for you. If you experience significant weight loss, you may see significant decreases in your body resistance. If you have one or more of these symptoms, you can review your appetite. If the decrease in your appetite causes any of the symptoms mentioned, you should consult a specialist without wasting time.

Which Doctor to Go to for Anorexia?

Anorexia is a complaint that many clinical branches examine together. Internal medicine, also known as internal medicine among clinical branches, takes a comprehensive approach to the changes you observe in your appetite. it can. Depending on the underlying factor of your ailments, it can address the problem by acting together with sub-branches such as gastroenterology, endocrinology, rheumatology. Depending on the cause of your loss of appetite, different branches such as general surgery, psychiatry and neurology may also participate in the process. In case of long-term changes in your appetite, you should consult a physician who is an expert in the relevant branches. Thus, a treatment method can be determined according to the severity of your loss of appetite and the affecting factors, and your discomfort can be corrected. Your doctor can determine the factors that cause your discomfort by asking you for certain tests. With the tests, elements such as vitamins and minerals in your body can be determined and a suitable treatment can be performed. Thus, your appetite can be regulated with the treatment given to you by your doctor. It can make additional suggestions such as getting away from the stress of your daily life and eating at regular intervals. It is important to use your medications correctly and to follow the recommendations of the specialist physician, in order to alleviate your complaints and ensure recovery.

Treatment of Anorexia

As in any disease, the correct determination of the root cause plays an important role in the treatment of anorexia. . However, the severity of your appetite should be determined and the right treatment should be started. When it is seen that a physical obstacle in the digestive system affects your appetite, the problem can be eliminated with the treatments to be applied by gastroenterology and general surgery branches. If there is loss of appetite as a result of a condition that affects your metabolism, treatment can be carried out with the steps carried out by the endocrinologist. If there is a decrease in your desire to eat due to psychological factors, your complaints may improve with cognitive therapies or drug treatments by a psychiatrist. If your specialist sees it appropriate, your eating habits can be regulated with the help of a dietitian. For all these reasons, a comprehensive team work is required for the problem of anorexia. It is recommended that you apply to health institutions as soon as possible in case of changes in your appetite and get support from specialist doctors.

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