Appetite decrease

Appetite decrease is a reduced desire to eat, noticed as smaller meals, skipped meals, or a lack of interest in food.

Clinicians distinguish a short-lived dip in appetite from a sustained loss that leads to weight change. Common causes include illness, stress, pain, medications, and changes in routine, and in animals a drop in appetite is often one of the first signs an owner notices. Assessment usually involves a history of intake, a weight check, and a review of medications and recent events. Because appetite is nonspecific, a persistent decrease is generally evaluated rather than assumed to be harmless.

Decreased appetite was among the more frequently reported adverse events in clinical trials of prescription cannabidiol, particularly at higher doses and in children. This is notable because THC-containing cannabis is often associated with the opposite effect, and the two compounds should not be conflated. In veterinary studies, appetite changes are tracked as part of tolerability monitoring. An owner who notices a lasting change in a pet's eating should consult a veterinarian.