I’ve been experiencing something very abnormal for me over the past 3-4 months: I’m never hungry. It’s not that I’m eating less often than usual, it’s that I’m genuinely only eating a couple bites of food a day
I’ve never had any issues with eating disorders or body image (I mean, it’s not like I love my body or anything, but everyone’s a little unsatisfied with their image, it’s normal) before, but I do have relatives who have had them. I also have some other mental health issues (ptsd, depression mainly) so I’m always worried about my mental state. But maybe this is a physical issue instead?
I don’t exercise a lot and have a desk job, so it makes sense that I wouldn’t be eating a ton but this is just extreme. And honestly it’s been going on so long that I’m getting really confused as to why I’m not starting to faint or anything like that. I’ve been trying to at least finish one meal a day, but after a few bites (no matter what it is) I just can’t stomach another bite. It’s like my body is giving me all the “hungry” signs but as soon as there’s food in my mouth I want to spit it out.
Also I feel I should note that I’ve never been a picky eater, I don’t have any food allergies or anything like that. No matter how hungry I am, the thought of eating makes me want to throw up and I don’t understand it. I feel like I’m burned out on the concept of food, but like…obviously I need food to live lol
I’d like to see a doctor about this but I honestly don’t even know what to call this issue. Does anyone have any advice on how to bring this up and who to, or any tips on being able to eat again?
Comments
Just tell the doctor exactly what you said in this post but this is 100% something to see a doctor about
Any unhealthy relationship with food is detrimental no matter the means. Nutrition is the foundation of our being. Everything we do comes after we eat.
It definitely sounds less like an eating disorder in the colloquial sense and more symptomatic of something else. Loss of appetite can be a signifier of depression, and as someone who has had depression and anxiety as long as I can remember, I can attest that sometimes you feel the physical symptoms of them without necessarily being particularly emotionally in that state. Like, I’ll often have issues with my heart that I know are the anxiety even though there’s no mental reason for me to be feeling anxious, for example, I’m just kind of physiologically reacting to the chemical imbalance or whatever.
That being said, I wouldn’t immediately chalk it up to that and just try to power through or anything, definitely go to your doctor and honestly just describe it like you have here- a really intense food aversion that is impacting you. Hopefully they’ll be able to give you a name and cause for it if you don’t have one already. It might also help them (and you) if you quantify it in some metrics: general difference in calories eaten before vs. now, if you’ve lost weight how much?, and maybe log your food intake in something like myfitnesspal so they can get an idea of the impact without it just being dismissed (which can often be the case when doctors see anxiety in the charts- luckily I’ve not had that experience but many have, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!). I hope you get it figured out!
You should absolutely see a doctor. Has this led to weight loss? Unexplained loss of appetite, early satiety (this means getting full quickly) with unintentional weight loss is enough of a reason that a doctor will see you.
You said it’s not accompanied by any GI issues besides getting full quickly, but do you feel bloated, nauseous, have any changes in bowel habits?
Edit: start with seeing your PCP and they may be able to run a few tests but can refer you to specialists once they have more information. Definitely consider taking nutrition shakes/drinks that are high in protein and calories like ensure, boost, etc and sip on at least 2 throughout the day in the meantime.
I have gastroparesis and it’s exactly like this. Full after a very small portion. Staying full for a very long time. Food aversion (wanting to throw up if I think about eating).
Tell a doctor what you said here. In the meantime, try to find a food that is easiest to eat. For me, it’s extremely low fat and sometimes all liquid. Ensure is a good meal replacement.
As others have said, a doctor (and maybe a dietician) would be helpful. While I’m not super familiar with it, your description brings to mind what little I’ve heard about ARFID.
this happens to me when I’m extremely anxious/stressed out even if I’m not fully aware of the anxiety. I lose all appetite and trying to eat makes me nauseous. has also happened to me when I’ve been extremely depressed that the thought of having to eat something is just too much for me.
but you should definitely bring this up to the doctor because it could also be a serious health issue. just say you have no appetite and even if you force yourself to eat, you feel full right away and like you can’t eat anymore; mention that you’re worried about how little you do end up eating.
also try just snacking more. even if it’s like one or two crackers. liquid calories are also easier.
Anexoria nervosa is avoiding food to exert control over a small area of your life, even if you feel hungry. Plain anorexia is a lack of appetite, and can be indicative of a major health problem or depression.
Get your thyroid hormones checked out. I lost 50lbs and my mental health went to heck. I went in, got checked and sure as ever, hyperthyroidism. That little bugger is basically your body’s way of making go go juice so if it’s acting up, your body does too.
I’m going through something similar myself, my doctor says it’s called ARFID. If you’ve lost weight unintentionally or are struggling with your energy levels, you should definitely bring it up to your doctor.
Yes, I think what you described is an eating disorder. I am not sure however.