Loss of Appetite

Brought to you by Medinformer

Brought to you by

A ‘healthy appetite’ has always been perceived as a sign of good health, especially in children. When we send our kids off to school, knowing they’ve had a hearty breakfast, we feel confident that we’re giving them a head start to a successful day. But what exactly is ‘appetite’, and how does the body regulate it?1

Appetite in a nutshell

Back to top
Appetite is a desire and a need for food. It is controlled by the hypothalamus, an area in the brain. The one part of the hypothalamus controls appetite, and the other part controls satiety (fullness).1
Appetite is mainly regulated by the stomach, the tone and movement of the gastro-intestinal tract, and the secretion of bile and digestive enzymes.1

When appetite decreases

Back to top

A decreased appetite is when your desire to eat is reduced. The correct medical term is anorexia, not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder. Appetite loss is common, especially in children, and there could be many reasons. Some children are just fussy eaters and grow out of their poor appetite. In some instances loss of appetite is due to emotional stress.

Why appetite decreases

Back to top
Sometimes there is no specific reason why one’s appetite decreases. 1 However, some common causes may include:

  • Illnesses/disease. These include, among others: TB (tuberculosis), bacterial infections and worm infestations.
  • Medication. Certain medications can reduce appetite, including: anti-asthmatics, anti-TB medicines, anti-cancer medicines and medicines for the treatment of attention deficit disorders.

Appetite loss: the consequences

Back to top
When a child or adult is not hungry, they tend to eat less, inadequate food intake may lead to malnutrition and reduced immunity, sometimes resulting in increased bouts of illness.1 Childhood is a time of rapid growth and when the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, physical and mental development and performance could be affected.

Is there a natural, effective solution?

Back to top
Yes! 1All-natural Hapenz Syrup is scientifically formulated to assist in the following:

  • Stimulate appetite
  • Increase food intake
  • Improve assimilation
  • Promote weight gain
  • Build immunity
  • Enhance cognitive function



For more health information

Click on the body area you want to know more about. Select a related health topic from the menu

Select a body area
Head
Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis
Legs
Feet
Mental Health
Skin
General
Infant Health
Close Menu
HIV 11 – HIV and Opportunistic infections
HIV 11 – HIV and Opportunistic infections
Doctors were first alerted to the existence of AIDS when patients clinically presented with opportunistic ....
Acne (Pimples)
Acne (Pimples)
WHAT IS ACNE? Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back.1a It can be emotionally stressful ....

Related Brochures

Thyroid Conditions
Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland, that sits at the base of the neck, in front of the airpipe. One of its main functions is controlling metabolism1, 4