What Can Loss of Appetite Lead To?
A loss of appetite can lead to poor nutrition. When your body does not get the nutrients it needs, it weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection.25
Loss of appetite can lead to more serious complications, including unintended weight loss.34
If you lose a significant amount of weight, you may be at higher risk for other health problems. Lack of eating may also lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition means that your body is not getting enough nutrients or is not able to properly absorb them. Severe malnutrition can lead to death in some cases.31
For these reasons, good nutrition and weight maintenance should be a priority for people with HIV/AIDS. The nutrients and energy provided by a healthy diet can help stave off illness.26 If you are experiencing loss of appetite, speak with your healthcare provider right away.
