Can Anxiety Cause Loss of Appetite?
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that can significantly affect physical and emotional well-being. One of its lesser-discussed impacts is the loss of appetite. If you've ever noticed your hunger vanishing during times of stress or anxiety, you're not alone. This article delves into the connection between anxiety and appetite loss, exploring the role of therapy in managing these symptoms and helping individuals regain balance. The Science Behind Anxiety and Appetite Loss Why Does Anxiety Affect Appetite? When anxiety strikes, the body's stress response kicks in. This response, known as the "fight-or-flight" mechanism, is designed to prioritize survival by redirecting energy to essential functions like alertness and muscle readiness. In turn, non-essential processes like digestion slow down, leading to a suppressed appetite. Stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline play a significant role in this process. While cortisol initially increases appetit...