4. Lack of Appetite: Merycism’s Impact on Eating Desire
For someone with rumination syndrome, mealtimes can become a source of anxiety. There’s the looming uncertainty of whether the food will stay down or make an unwelcome reappearance. Over time, this anxiety can lead to a diminished appetite.
At first glance, it may seem psychological. After all, if eating often leads to discomfort or the need to regurgitate, avoiding food might appear to be a practical solution. But it’s not just a mental block. The consistent regurgitation and stomach discomfort can cause genuine disruptions in hunger cues.
This isn’t a deliberate attempt at fasting or skipping meals. It’s a gradual decrease in the desire to eat. Foods that once seemed appealing might now be viewed with suspicion or apathy. Even when the stomach growls, signaling hunger, the brain might register aversion instead of appetite. (4)
