What is it called when you don't like food anymore?: Answering the Question of Appetite Loss

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from the Cleveland Clinic, the medical term for a general loss of appetite is anorexia, not to be confused with the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Understanding what is it called when you don't like food anymore requires distinguishing between these medical and psychological conditions, and recognizing the various factors that can cause a reduced desire to eat.

Quick Summary

The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia, though it differs significantly from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. A number of factors, from physical illness and medication side effects to psychological stress and food aversion, can cause a person to lose their interest in food. Promptly identifying the root cause and seeking treatment is crucial to prevent health complications.

Key Points

Anorexia is a Medical Symptom, not an Eating Disorder: The clinical term 'anorexia' refers to a general loss of appetite, which is different from 'anorexia nervosa,' a serious eating disorder driven by body image issues.
Causes are Diverse: A lack of appetite can stem from various physical issues (e.g., infections, chronic diseases), psychological factors (e.g., depression, stress), and medication side effects.
ARFID is Distinct: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) involves food avoidance due to sensory issues or fear of consequences, not body weight concerns like anorexia nervosa.
Malnutrition is a Serious Risk: Prolonged appetite loss can lead to malnutrition and unintentional weight loss, which can cause severe health problems and requires medical attention.
Practical Strategies Can Help: Simple steps like eating small, frequent, and calorie-dense meals, making mealtimes social, and staying hydrated can help stimulate a lagging appetite.
Seek Help for Persistent Issues: If appetite loss lasts more than two weeks, or is accompanied by unintentional weight loss and other symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Understanding Medical and Psychological Conditions

When you don't like food anymore, it's important to understand the different medical and psychological terms that may apply. The general medical term is anorexia, while more specific conditions include anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and food aversion.

Anorexia (Medical Symptom) vs. Anorexia Nervosa (Eating Disorder)

Anorexia, when used medically, refers to a loss of appetite. It's a symptom, not a disease. Anorexia nervosa, on the other hand, is a serious eating disorder characterized by a fear of weight gain and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa may feel hungry but restrict eating to lose weight. This requires specialized treatment for the underlying mental health issues.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

ARFID is an eating or feeding disorder with significant limitations on the types or amounts of food eaten. It's not driven by body image concerns like anorexia nervosa, but by factors such as lack of interest in food, fear of choking or vomiting, or sensitivity to sensory aspects of food. ARFID can affect anyone and may lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Food Aversion

Food aversion is a strong dislike of a specific food, often triggered by its sight, smell, or taste, leading to nausea or disgust. It can be caused by associating a food with a negative experience. While usually less severe than ARFID, it can become problematic if it limits a person's diet and causes nutritional issues.

Causes Behind a Lack of Appetite

Loss of appetite can result from physical, psychological, or medication-related factors.

Physical Causes

Physical conditions that can affect appetite include infections like the flu, and chronic conditions such as IBS, Crohn's disease, liver or kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer. Hormonal changes during pregnancy or due to thyroid issues can also play a role. Other factors include dental problems, pain, dehydration, and changes in taste or smell.

Psychological and Emotional Causes

Mental health significantly impacts appetite. Stress, anxiety, grief, and depression can cause temporary or chronic loss of interest in eating. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and ARFID also involve complex psychological factors.

Medication Side Effects

Many medications can cause loss of appetite. This includes antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, some antidepressants, stimulant medications for ADHD, and opioids. If you suspect a medication is affecting your appetite, consult your healthcare provider.

Comparison of Conditions Involving Appetite Loss


Feature	Anorexia (Medical Symptom)	Anorexia Nervosa (Eating Disorder)	Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)
Primary Driver	Medical conditions, illness, stress, medication side effects.	Extreme fear of gaining weight and distorted body image.	Lack of interest, sensory sensitivity, or fear of aversive consequences.
Hunger Cues	May feel full quickly or lack any desire to eat.	May feel hungry but intentionally ignores the hunger signals.	May lack hunger cues or have a total disinterest in food.
Body Image Concerns	Not a factor.	At the core of the condition.	Not a factor.
Age of Onset	Any age, often related to underlying health issues.	Typically adolescence, more common in females.	Often childhood, but also recognized in adults.

Regaining Your Appetite: Practical Strategies

Addressing the underlying cause is key, but practical steps can also help regain appetite.

Eat small, frequent meals. Aim for several small, nutrient-dense meals or snacks rather than a few large ones.
Prioritize nutrient-dense foods. Choose foods that pack a lot of nutrients and calories into smaller portions, such as smoothies, nuts, and avocados.
Schedule mealtimes. Eating at regular times can help normalize your body's rhythm, even if you don't feel hungry.
Make meals enjoyable. Eating with others or trying new flavors can make meals more appealing.
Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day, but avoid excessive fluids during meals to prevent feeling too full.
Incorporate gentle exercise. Physical activity can help stimulate appetite and improve mood.

When to Seek Professional Help

A prolonged lack of interest in food can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, which is an imbalance of nutrients with serious health consequences.

Consult a healthcare provider if:

Appetite loss lasts over two weeks.
You experience significant unintentional weight loss.
You have other symptoms like fatigue, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
You suspect a mental health issue or eating disorder.

Early diagnosis and treatment by a physician, dietitian, or mental health specialist are crucial for preventing complications.

Conclusion

When you no longer like food, it could be a temporary symptom or a sign of a more serious issue. The medical term for loss of appetite is anorexia, distinct from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa. Other conditions include food aversion and ARFID. Identifying the cause – physical, psychological, or medication-related – is essential for treatment. Practical strategies like small, frequent, nutrient-dense meals can help stimulate appetite. Persistent issues, especially with weight loss, warrant medical attention to prevent nutritional deficiencies and restore health. For more on malnutrition, see the World Health Organization's fact sheet.(https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition)

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical term for a loss of appetite, or not feeling like eating anymore, is anorexia. This is a medical symptom that should not be confused with the eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa.

Anorexia is a medical term for a loss of appetite and can have many causes, while anorexia nervosa is a mental health disorder where a person restricts food intake due to an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

Yes, while a dislike of specific foods is often harmless, severe food aversion that prevents you from eating a balanced diet and leads to weight loss or nutritional deficiencies can be a sign of an underlying medical condition or eating disorder like ARFID.

Common causes of decreased appetite include temporary infections (like a cold), chronic diseases (such as cancer, liver, or kidney disease), pregnancy, dental problems, and side effects from medications.

You can increase your food intake by eating smaller, more frequent, and nutrient-dense meals throughout the day. Opt for calorie-dense foods like smoothies, nuts, and healthy fats, and try to make mealtime a social or enjoyable activity.

You should see a healthcare provider if your loss of appetite lasts for more than a week, or if it is accompanied by unintentional weight loss, fatigue, or other unusual symptoms.

Appetite can naturally decline with age due to changes in digestion, hormones, and sensory perception. However, it can also be a symptom of underlying medical conditions common in older adults, so it should be monitored by a doctor, especially if it leads to weight loss.