7. Loss of Appetite: A Subtle Shift in Eating Habits
Appetite changes might not seem alarming at first. Everyone has days when they’re not that hungry. But with ALD, it’s different. There’s a consistent, notable drop in appetite. Favorite foods lose their appeal. Portions become smaller. Meals get skipped.
This isn’t about dieting or deliberate food restriction. It’s an inherent loss of interest in eating. The reason lies in the liver’s compromised state. As it struggles to process foods and toxins, it sends signals to the brain, reducing hunger cues.
Over time, this loss of appetite has consequences. Weight loss becomes evident. Muscle mass reduces. There’s a general sense of weakness. It’s not just about not feeling hungry; it’s the body’s inability to draw nutrients and energy from food.
Understanding this loss of appetite is more than acknowledging a changing palate. It’s recognizing a significant internal shift. Associating it with ALD can be the push needed to seek medical advice and intervention. (7)
