COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, presents with various symptoms. Changes in appetite are a frequent experience for many individuals with the illness. This appetite suppression can impact well-being and recovery, making it important to understand its causes and how to manage it.
Appetite Changes During COVID-19
Appetite suppression, or anorexia, is a recognized COVID-19 symptom, often manifesting as a reduced desire to eat or a complete loss of interest in food. Many individuals with COVID-19 experience changes in eating habits, leading to a substantial reduction in food intake.
Beyond a general lack of hunger, the virus can also alter how food tastes or smells, making previously enjoyable foods unappealing. The duration of appetite loss varies, resolving within a week or two for mild cases, but persisting longer for others during illness or recovery.
Biological Mechanisms Behind Appetite Suppression
The body’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus involves several biological processes that influence appetite. A significant factor is the inflammatory response triggered by the immune system. When infected, the body releases signaling proteins called cytokines. Elevated levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines can signal the brain to reduce appetite, a common mechanism in many illnesses.
Another key mechanism involves the virus’s impact on the senses of taste and smell. COVID-19 frequently causes anosmia (loss of smell) and dysgeusia (altered taste). When these senses are impaired, food loses its appeal, diminishing the desire to eat.
Overall feelings of sickness, fatigue, and nausea commonly associated with COVID-19 also contribute to a lack of desire for food. The virus can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, which further suppress appetite.
Impacts of Sustained Appetite Loss
Prolonged appetite suppression during COVID-19 can have several consequences for the body’s ability to recover. Insufficient caloric and nutrient intake can lead to unintended weight loss and, in some cases, malnutrition. A study found that 46% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reported reducing their food intake by more than half during their illness at home, often due to appetite loss or changes in taste. This nutritional deficit can hinder the body’s healing processes.
Poor nutrition can also weaken the immune system, potentially prolonging the illness or making an individual more susceptible to other infections. Research indicates that malnutrition is associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and and can prolong hospitalization. Additionally, a lack of adequate food intake directly contributes to persistent fatigue and reduced energy levels, making it more challenging to regain strength and resume normal activities during and after the illness.
Strategies for Nutritional Support
When experiencing appetite suppression due to COVID-19, focusing on nutritional support can aid recovery. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day, perhaps every one to two hours, can be more manageable than trying to consume large meals. Prioritizing nutrient-dense foods that are easy to eat, such as smoothies, soups, fortified drinks, and soft foods, can help ensure adequate caloric and protein intake. Adding high-calorie ingredients like cheese, butter, or nut butters to foods can also increase energy density without increasing portion size.
Staying well-hydrated is also important, even if solid food is difficult to consume. Water, herbal teas, broths, and diluted fruit juices can help maintain fluid balance. For individuals with altered taste or smell, experimenting with different food textures, temperatures, and flavors, such as adding herbs, spices, or lemon, might make eating more appealing. If appetite loss is severe, persistent, or leads to significant weight loss, consulting a healthcare professional or a dietitian for personalized advice, including the potential need for nutritional supplements, is advisable.