What Causes Loss Of Appetite In Teens?

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Loss of appetite in teens isn’t uncommon. A teenager undergoes several physical, psychological, and social changes during adolescence that can cause a teenager to lose interest in food. Temporary loss of appetite is mostly benign and seldom a cause for concern. However, if a teen has chronic appetite problems, you can’t undermine the possibility of an underlying health condition.

Improper eating patterns can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can cause several chronic health issues to emerge over time (1). Keep reading as we tell you more about appetite loss in teenagers, its possible causes, and more.

When Is Loss Of Appetite A Concern In Teens?

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It is not uncommon for teens to lose interest in food momentarily. Dr. Lilian Ablan Roldan, MD, a pediatrician from Brooklyn, New York, says, “Children and teenagers occasionally change their eating habits, which can be concerning for their families. Rapid height growth, high levels of physical activity, and hectic lifestyles can make it difficult for a young person to consume an adequate amount of food.”

However, loss of appetite, along with the following symptoms, could be a cause of concern (2).

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent depressed mood with frequent tearfulness
• Irritable and intolerant behavior
• Little or no enjoyment of things that were interesting at some point
• Extreme tiredness or lack of energy and social isolation
• Unusual secrecy about eating habits
• Being anxious, upset, or guilty while eating

Infographic: How To Improve Your Teen’s Appetite?

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What Are The Possible Causes Of Loss of Appetite In Teens?

Psychological causes

1. Stress: The impact of stress on unhealthy eating may begin as early as the age of eight to nine years (3). Peer pressure, the pressure of keeping up with academics and sports, learning disabilities, problems at school, death or loss of a loved one, divorce of parents, or an unhealthy home atmosphere can cause stress in a teen’s life.

2. Anxiety and depression: Some adolescents exhibit resilience to extreme levels of stress. However, it may lead to anxiety and depression in some teens (4). Appetite changes are common among teens experiencing anxiety and depression. According to the 2021 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 42% of US high school teenagers experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness. Some teens are also likely to display changes in sleeping patterns, a lack of interest in attending school, participating in their favorite activities, not socializing with friends, etc.

3. Eating disorders: According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, anorexia nervosaⁱAn eating disorder making people phobic about being overweight and obsessively conscious of what they eat and bulimiaⁱA chronic eating disorder that makes a person overeat and take extreme steps to avoid weight gain, like self-induced vomiting are two rising eating disorders (5). Both conditions lead to extreme weight loss and malnutrition due to nutritional deficiencies. Individuals with such eating disorders may develop unhealthy habits of forceful vomiting or using laxatives to lose weight. These eating disorders could develop due to psychological reasons like depression, self-esteem issues, or body image concerns such as an “extreme desire to look slim.” The latter is more commonly seen in girls.

Blogger Anita Tse suffered from anorexia nervosa during her teenage years. Sharing her experience, she says, “When I was between the ages of 13 and 15, I had an eating disorder called Anorexia Nervosa… I didn’t notice that anything was wrong, to begin with… One may say that anorexia is like an obsession with losing weight. To 13-year-old me, I was obsessed with seeing progress. I celebrated each inch shaved off my waist and pound lifted off the scale as a product of my determination and self-discipline (i).”

Quick fact

Some teens experience avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, where they avoid eating because they don’t like the food’s smell, taste, texture, or color. However, such children are not afraid of weight gain and don’t have a negative body image (21).

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Medical Causes

1. Infections: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections such as gastroenteritisⁱA bacterial or viral infection causing inflammation of the stomach and intestines or colitisⁱAn inflammatory bowel disease causing inflammation of the lining of the colon due to an infection or as an autoimmune reaction can lead to temporary loss of appetite, resulting in poor nutrition. The loss of appetite in such cases is largely benign, and the appetite resumes as soon as the treatment is initiated (6). However, consult a doctor if your teen’s appetite does not improve even after the infection is treated.

2. Chronic health issues: Chronic health conditions such as Crohn's diseaseⁱAn inflammatory bowel disease , irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, or hormonal conditions such as Addison’s disease could lead to a loss of appetite in teens (7). Food allergies, stomach problems and intolerances or sensitivities are other chronic issues that could cause a loss of appetite in some adolescents.

3. Medications: Loss of appetite is one of the common medication side effects, such as antibiotics. Sometimes the loss of appetite is caused by constipation or diarrhea caused by these medicines. Medications prescribed for conditions such as autismⁱNeurological condition that causes developmental disabilities and ADHD are also associated with decreased or loss of appetite. Other causes include pain, fatigue, and weakness, or weight loss caused by the treatment of a medical condition such as cancer (8) (9) (10).

4. Substance abuse: The World Health Organization describes substance abuse as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactiveⁱA drug that affects the functioning of the brain and causes changes in mood or behavior substances. These substances are alcohol and illicit drugs (11). Prolonged use of such substances is known to cause loss of appetite due to side-effects. Moreover, loss of appetite in such cases also happens due to the substance dependence at large (12).

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By understanding the possible cause for loss of appetite, you can help your teen improve their appetite.

How To Improve Your Teen’s Appetite?

You can help your teen tackle the potential cause or causes of loss of appetite. Dr. Roldan adds, “Maintaining modest but nutritious portions can help a young person avoid feeling overwhelmed by food. If your child cannot finish the meal, completing the carbohydrate and protein portions of the meal may be more important than the vegetables at this time. Avoid labeling foods as healthy or unhealthy; all foods can be healthy depending on the individual’s needs. There are no such things as bad foods.”

Below are some steps that you could follow.

1. Communication: Acknowledge your teen’s concerns and talk to empathize with them. It will give them the motivation to share their issues with you. If your teen still isn’t sharing much with you, then do not hesitate to go to a doctor or psychologist  (13). Unless the right cause is identified, the teen’s diet might not improve.

2. Dietary changes: You can also try some dietary changes. While you plan their meal plan, split three large meals into five to six smaller meals with snacks. You can consider serving them high calorie, nutrient-dense options like homemade fruit smoothies, protein drinks, and multigrain porridges or pancakes. Ensure they do not skip meals and are staying away from junk foods like soda, high-sugar high-fat processed foods like chips, finger chips, etc. (14). Also, eat together as a family to build a positive atmosphere for your teen. Serve foods that your teen enjoys.

Quick tip

Make eating a pleasurable activity for teenagers. Use background music and beautiful settings to create a more appealing and attractive eating environment (14).

3. Exercise: Regular exercise could potentially help stimulate appetite. Exercise helps burn calories, which is a physiological process for the development of hunger. . It also releases endorphins, a feel-good hormone that might help in hunger stimulation. A bonus benefit of exercise is that it can help cope with depression (15) (16). Therefore, encourage your teen to exercise. If exercise seems boring, then suggest that they play their favorite outdoor sport like basketball, badminton, tennis or swimming, etc.

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4. Educate about healthy weight: Speak with the teen about the possible complications that could arise due to poor appetite. This method can be helpful in cases where the loss of appetite is due to eating disorders and self-imposed restrictions on food. Parents can consider taking the support of professionals who could counsel your teen and help them know about eating right. A counselor can also help a teenager understand the difference between healthy weight and an imaginary desirable size figure.

5. Awareness about health risks: Some teenagers might also use products such as laxativesⁱA type of drug that helps relieve constipation by improving bowel movements , diureticsⁱA type of drug that increases the production and flow of urine , and diet pills to lose weight and curb appetite. These products could cause loss of appetite while also leading to harmful effects and irreversible health risks. Therefore, teenagers must be made aware of these risks and their negative effects.

Parental intervention, along with medical help, can help in timely diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of loss of appetite.

How To Treat Loss Of Appetite In Teens?

Treatment of loss of appetite largely depends upon its cause. Below are some possible treatments that could be decided upon consultation with a doctor.

1. Talking therapies: If loss of appetite is due to depression or anxiety or any other psychological issue, then talking therapies might be prescribed by the doctor. This helps the teen to vent out, which relaxes the emotions and could possibly stimulate hunger. The doctor might also prescribe some antidepressants, too, in severe cases (17).

2. Nutritional supplements: Nutritional supplements help in cases where the loss of appetite is due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Some of the common nutritional supplements used are vitamin B complex, zinc, thiamine, and fish oil. Always consult a doctor before giving any nutritional supplement to your teen.

Quick fact

Children who have anemiaⁱA health condition when there is a deficiency of red blood cells may experience poor appetite and lethargy. Therefore, it is important for them to consume enough iron-rich foods (22).

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3. Appetite stimulants: In cases where the loss of appetite is due to a chronic ailment, then the doctor might suggest appetite stimulants, which increase appetite. The three major drugs that are currently approved by the FDA are megestrol acetate, oxandrolone, and dronabinol (18). However, their use in teens needs to be discussed with a doctor.

4. Home remedies: Parents can also consider a few home remedies. You may try some appetite-boosting foods such as cardamom, herbal teas, cayenne pepper, cloves, fennel, garlic, ginger, ginseng, and green tea. However, there is limited scientific consensus on the efficacy of these home remedies. In case your teen is on medications, then you must consult a doctor before trying any home remedies.

Immediate medical assistance is suggested when the loss of appetite is due to substance abuse, eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia or depression. Chronic loss of appetite could lead to health complications or metabolic disorders depending upon the cause and its severity.

Possible Health Risks Of Loss Of Appetite In Teens

Loss of appetite usually resolves without long-term health concerns. However, if it continues for a prolonged time, then it may cause serious health risks or complications, as mentioned below (19) (20).

• Malnutrition impacting the growth and development of the teen
• Poor weight in accordance with the height
• Extreme fatigue impacting day to day activities
• Hormonal imbalances leading to delay in puberty and disturbed menses in girls
• Impaired bone mass
• Muscle wasting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• A general ill feeling

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Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Elna GibsonMBChB, MMed, Paeds

Dr. Elna Gibson is a general pediatrician. She did her MBChB and specialization as a pediatrician in South Africa at the University of Pretoria. She obtained MMed Pediatrics (masters) with distinction in 1993.As a young specialist, Dr.

Read full bio of Dr. Elna Gibson

• 
  Dr. Lilian Ablan RoldanMD Dr. Lilian Ablan Roldan is a pediatrician in Brooklyn, New York. She has been in practice for over ten years and holds a license to practice medicine at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Florida. Dr. Roldan pursued her medicine at Universidad de Oriente and specialized in Abdominal Pain and Allergic Reaction.
  
  Dr. Lilian Ablan Roldan is a pediatrician in Brooklyn, New York. She has been in practice for over ten years and holds a license to practice medicine at Woodhull Medical and Mental Health Center in Florida. Dr. Roldan pursued her medicine at Universidad de Oriente and specialized in Abdominal Pain and Allergic Reaction.

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Rohit GarooBSc, MBA

Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.

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Shinta Liz SunnyM.Tech

Shinta is a biotechnologist who is highly intrigued by science and technology. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University.

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