(HealthDay News) — Any illness can reduce or eliminate your appetite. But if the illness is treatable, appetite should return after treatment, says MedlinePlus.

MedlinePlus mentions potential causes of appetite loss:

  • Emotions such as sadness, depression or grief.
  • Serious illnesses such as cancer or HIV.
  • Use of certain medications or street drugs.
  • Hypothyroidism.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Aging.

Contact a doctor if you are losing a lot of weight without trying, or if decreased appetite occurs along with other symptoms.

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