What Causes Loss of Appetite?

Your relationship with food can shift over time. Here’s what might be behind the change, and how to keep meals satisfying and nourishing

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published August 04, 2025

James Yates

I used to love food, but as I’ve gotten older I don’t have much of an appetite. Do I need to worry?

I get it. You may have once been a member of the “Clean Plate Club,” but now it’s tough to get through a full serving. Studies show that 25 to 30 percent of older people experience a noticeable reduction in their appetite.

First, if you've unintentionally lost more than 5 percent of your body weight, be sure to talk to your doctor to rule out underlying illness. Loss of appetite is common with age but should not be ignored, as it could signal a medical issue.

There are several reasons why we’re no longer as hungry as we used to be; most are nothing to worry about. The most obvious one is that our metabolism slows down. Metabolism is the way our body takes in calories from what we eat and drink and uses them to create energy. Remember how in your early 20s you could eat a feast, go to bed and wake up the next morning “starving” for breakfast? Back then, your metabolism was fired up and you burned all those calories quickly. But after age 60, our metabolic machinery grinds to a slower pace.

Digestion also wanes. One way our body tells us we’re constipated is by diminishing our appetite. When the emptying of your digestive tract slows down, the brain tells you not to put anything in the other end.

Our energy requirements naturally adjust to our lifestyle, too. For example, as a young parent, you might have woken up at 5 a.m., exercised for an hour, prepared the kids’ lunches and then gotten ready to commute to work. At the end of your workday, you returned to a household full of activity. But once we retire, it’s another story. We may no longer need that kind of nonstop energy.

There may be other issues. Here’s one: Do you suffer from dry mouth? This makes eating less enjoyable and also contributes to dental problems. When teeth aren’t functioning and you can’t chew well, eating becomes a chore, not a pleasure.

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In the same vein, if you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, grief or social isolation, your appetite can be significantly impaired. Neurological problems like dementia and changes in taste and smell can diminish appetite. Some medications affect hunger. Common ones include beta-blockers, diuretics, antidepressants, pain and diabetes drugs, and certain cancer treatments.

Getting enough calories from delicious and healthy foods is not only critical to aging well, it’s also one of the joys of life. So I want to discuss ways you can boost your appetite.

A lot of my patients tell me they’re too tired at the end of their day to prepare or eat a big meal. You know what I say to that? “Then make your major meal of the day breakfast or lunch!” Or eat lots of smaller meals throughout the day. Include finger foods like chopped vegetables, slices of cheese and cut fruit. Smoothies and soups are another option. I also recommend fortifying your nutrient intake with protein shakes. You can use this calculator to estimate your protein needs.

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It really doesn’t matter when you eat or how you eat as long as you get those calories, preferably from healthy foods. The USDA says adult females need anywhere from 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day, and adult males need anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 calories a day, depending on age and activity level.

Another idea is to try making mealtime a social event. Appetites grow when we’re in conversation and connection with others. Even if you’re home alone, you can still make mealtime enjoyable. Set the table, light a candle, make sure your chair is comfortable and arrange your food in an appealing way. When you have pain or discomfort in your body, problems with your teeth or medications that affect your appetite, make an appointment with the proper health care provider. I hope you’ll be able to work together to pave the way for a heartier appetite.

Even if food doesn’t call to you like it used to, it’s still your body’s most important medicine. Think of every bite as a small act of self-care. Aging may change your appetite, but you’re still in charge.

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