Anorexia (loss of appetite especially when prolonged)

 

Anorexia (loss of appetite)  it can result from many other medical or physiological reasons, including:

1. Chronic Illnesses

Cancer (especially gastrointestinal, pancreatic, or lung cancers)

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic liver disease

Congestive heart failure

These diseases can suppress appetite due to systemic inflammation or organ dysfunction.

2. Infections

      Tuberculosis

       HIV/AIDS

       Sepsis means (Sepsis occurs when the body's immune system, instead of fighting the infection, begins to attack its own tissues and organs)

3. Medications

     Chemotherapy drugs

    Antibiotics

    Opioids

Some antidepressants and antipsychotics that's why  alter taste, cause nausea, or directly suppress appetite.

And ....
Any severe infection can cause a *loss of appetite* due to cytokine release (like TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6).

4. Gastrointestinal Disorders

      Peptic ulcers

     GERD(gastroesophageal reflux disease)

  Gastroparesis means(A condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying.
Gastroparesis can affect digestion. The cause might be damage to a nerve that controls stomach muscles.
Symptoms include nausea and a full feeling after little food is eaten.)

Irritable bowel syndrome

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis

5. Neurological Conditions

       Stroke

       Parkinson’s disease

       Dementia

       Brain tumors
(They may impair the brain's appetite control centers)

6. Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders

      Hyperthyroidism

     Adrenal insufficiency

   Diabetes (especially if poorly       controlled)

These can alter metabolism and appetite signaling.

7. Mental Health Conditions (Beyond Anorexia Nervosa)

Depression – One of the most common causes of *decreased appetite*

  Anxiety

  Stress or grief.

Some extra knowledge 

(Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to extreme food restriction and weight loss..)
There are some more reasons.

1. Psychological Factors

     Low self-esteem

      Perfectionism

    Obsessive thinking

    Depression or anxiety

     Fear of losing control

2. Biological Factors

*Genetics may play a role* if someone in your family has had an eating disorder, your risk increases..so be cautious👍

Imbalances in brain chemicals (like serotonin and dopamine) can influence mood and appetite.

3. Social and Cultural Pressure

Societal ideals about thinness and beauty especially in media

Peer pressure and bullying about body image can contribute as well.

4. Family Environment

Overly controlling or critical family dynamics

History of trauma or abuse

High expectations or pressure to succeed

5. Life Transitions or Stress

Major changes like  puberty, starting a new school, or experiencing a breakup or loss can trigger disordered eating as a coping mechanism.