You can experience fatigue along with a loss of appetite. You may also notice that food doesn’t taste good or that you feel queasy when trying to eat. Several conditions can cause this combination of symptoms.
Fatigue is a constant state of tiredness, even when you’ve gotten your usual amount of sleep. This symptom develops over time and causes a drop in your physical, emotional, and psychological energy levels. You’re also more likely to feel unmotivated to participate in or do activities you normally enjoy.
Some other signs of fatigue include feeling:
- physically weaker than usual
- tired, despite rest
- less stamina or endurance than usual
- mentally tired and moody
Loss of appetite means you don’t have the same desire to eat as you used to. Signs of decreased appetite include not wanting to eat, unintentional weight loss, and not feeling hungry.
The idea of eating food may make you feel nauseous, as if you might vomit after eating. Long-term loss of appetite, known as anorexia, can have medical or psychological causes.
When this loss of appetite is accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and restrictive eating behaviors, it is called anorexia nervosa, a specific eating disorder.
It may be a warning sign from your body when you feel fatigue and loss of appetite together. Read on to see what conditions may cause these symptoms.
Fatigue and loss of appetite are symptoms of several health conditions. The condition can be as common as the flu or a sign of something more serious, like cancer.
Infections and immune-related conditions
Musculoskeletal and pain-related conditions
Hormonal and reproductive conditions
Neurological conditions
Sleep disorders
Other medical conditions
Certain medications can contribute to fatigue and a reduced appetite, either as a direct side effect or through how they affect your body’s systems.
Medications that are known to cause these symptoms include:
These disorders can affect your appetite and energy level:
Children may develop fatigue and loss of appetite more quickly than adults.
Potential medical conditions in children include:
Other causes include:
- a slowed growth rate
- having recently taken antibiotics
- not getting enough rest
- not eating a balanced diet
Fatigue and decreased appetite are common in older adults. While some changes can be part of the typical aging process, these symptoms are often linked to underlying health conditions. Many of these are the same conditions that affect younger adults, especially chronic diseases.
In some cases, typical aging itself can lead to a mild decrease in appetite and lower energy levels. However, these changes can often be improved with the right support, including nutrition, activity, and medical care.
Common causes of these symptoms in older adults include:
- chronic conditions, such as congestive heart failure
- hypothyroidism
- autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome
- chronic lung disease or COPD
- depression
- dementia
Get immediate medical help if you’re experiencing fatigue and loss of appetite along with:
- confusion
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- an irregular or racing heartbeat
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- fainting
- sudden weight loss
- difficulty tolerating cold temperatures
You also should make an appointment to see your doctor if you’re experiencing these symptoms after taking a new medication, even after you’ve taken it for several days.
Seek emergency attention if you or someone you know has thoughts of harming themselves.
While there isn’t a specific test for fatigue and loss of appetite, your doctor will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and ask about your other symptoms.
The workup will depend on what they find during this evaluation, helping to guide which tests are appropriate.
Based on your symptoms and exam, your doctor may order:
- blood tests to search for potential conditions, like hypothyroidism, celiac disease, or HIV
- a CT scan or an ultrasound scan of the stomach
- an EKG or stress test for suspected cardiac involvement
- gastric emptying test, which can diagnose delayed gastric emptying
Your doctor will prescribe treatments and therapies depending on your underlying condition. Pain relief may help ease the symptoms.
If medication is causing your fatigue and loss of appetite, your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch your medication.
Treating fatigue may include learning how to increase energy in your daily life. This can mean:
- getting more exercise
- creating a schedule for activity and rest
- talk therapy
- learning about self-care
Treating loss of appetite may include formulating a flexible meal schedule and incorporating favorite foods into meals.
Other methods used to treat fatigue or loss of appetite include:
- appetite stimulants like Marinol
- low dose corticosteroids to increase appetite
- physical therapy to slowly increase exercise
- medication for depression and anxiety
- anti-nausea medications like Zofran for nausea caused by medical treatments
Counseling or participating in a support group may also help reduce depression and anxiety-related causes of fatigue and loss of appetite.
Fatigue and loss of appetite can have many causes, so it’s important to speak with a doctor or dietitian if these symptoms persist. They can help identify the underlying issue and recommend strategies to improve your energy levels and appetite.
In some cases, adjusting your diet to include more high calorie, protein-rich foods while limiting sugary or ultra-processed foods may help support better nutrition and energy.
If eating large meals feels difficult, smaller meals throughout the day or liquid options like smoothies or protein drinks may be easier to tolerate.
While fatigue and appetite loss can’t always be prevented, maintaining healthy habits, such as eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, exercising regularly, and getting at least seven hours of sleep each night, can help reduce lifestyle-related causes and support overall energy levels.