{"id":8850,"date":"2016-03-16T07:45:52","date_gmt":"2016-03-16T12:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=8850"},"modified":"2019-08-12T16:05:22","modified_gmt":"2019-08-12T21:05:22","slug":"what-causes-loss-of-appetite-in-elderly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2016\/03\/what-causes-loss-of-appetite-in-elderly\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Loss of Appetite in the Elderly?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What Causes Loss of Appetite in the Elderly?\"What<\/h1>\n

We\u2019re accustomed to thinking of appetite as something to suppress rather than indulge in. Most people spend their lives thinking in terms of eating less so as to lose weight. While obesity is certainly a widespread problem in this country, and one that many seniors struggle with, the amount of attention we give to it can prove confusing when the opposite problem occurs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Loss of appetite in the elderly isn\u2019t uncommon and it can often point to larger issues that need to be treated. Unfortunately, all the emphasis our culture puts on losing weight as a good thing means that when loss of appetite starts to become a problem, it\u2019s often hard to catch. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Risks of Loss of Appetite in the Elderly<\/h2>\n

Loss of appetite can lead to loss of muscle mass, which is already in increasingly short supply as you age. Unintended weight loss comes with a higher risk of infection and depression and, most troubling of all, death.<\/span><\/p>\n

Several studies have found that when seniors suddenly lose weight, it\u2019s not uncommon for them to die soon after. The reasons for the relationship between loss of appetite and death aren\u2019t entirely consistent or clear, but nonetheless, it\u2019s important to take action sooner rather than later if you notice sudden weight loss or a loss of appetite in your loved one. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Possible Causes of Loss of Appetite<\/h2>\n

Usually when a senior loses their appetite, it\u2019s a symptom of something else they\u2019re dealing with. The good news is that means identifying loss of appetite as a problem could point you in the right direction toward identifying something more serious going on, so your loved one can start to seek out treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the possible causes for sudden weight loss in seniors are:<\/span><\/p>\n