Reasons Behind Sudden Loss of Appetite

A sudden decrease in appetite can be caused by various factors, which can generally be categorized into functional or organic conditions. Functional issues are often linked to lifestyle, work stress, emotional changes, or even weather fluctuations.

Organic diseases may include conditions such as peptic ulcers or stomach cancer. In particular, patients with gastric cancer may experience what are known as "alarm symptoms." These can include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, the presence of a mass in the abdomen, blood in the stool, black tarry stools, reduced hemoglobin levels, or unexplained anemia.

Individuals over the age of 40 should be especially cautious. If someone in this age group suddenly experiences a loss of appetite along with any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is highly recommended to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Diagnostic tools such as gastroscopy, ultrasound, routine blood and urine tests, biochemical analysis, and imaging studies can help identify the underlying cause.

Further diagnosis is crucial to determine whether the condition is due to peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or another illness. Accurate identification of the cause is essential for effective treatment and management. Therefore, if symptoms persist, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper assessment and care.