Losing interest in food or feeling full too quickly can sometimes be brushed off as stress or a minor issue. But if your appetite has changed for no clear reason, especially when combined with bowel symptoms or weight loss, it’s important to get it checked. At The The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we investigate and treat the bowel-related causes of loss of appetite, helping you feel healthy and in control again.

What is loss of appetite?

Loss of appetite – also called anorexia (not to be confused with the eating disorder) – means not feeling hungry, even when you haven’t eaten much. You might:

• Skip meals without realising
• Feel full after only a few bites
• Find food less appealing than usual
• Experience nausea when eating
• Lose weight without trying

While it can happen occasionally with common illnesses like flu, persistent or unexplained appetite changes can be a sign of something more serious.

Why does bowel disease affect appetite?

Your digestive system is closely connected to your appetite. When your gut is inflamed, irritated, or struggling to process food properly, it often sends signals to the brain that suppress hunger.

Some of the most common bowel-related causes of appetite loss include:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which can cause inflammation, pain, and nausea
• Bowel cancer – particularly in the later stages, which may impact digestion and lead to early satiety or a feeling of fullness
• Coeliac disease – gluten intolerance that damages the bowel lining, reducing hunger and nutrient absorption
• Gastrointestinal infections – which may cause nausea, cramping and aversion to food
• Constipation or obstruction – making you feel full or bloated even if you haven’t eaten much
• Stress and anxiety – which can affect gut-brain signalling and appetite
• Side effects of medication – especially antibiotics, painkillers or chemotherapy drugs

What other symptoms should I watch for?

Loss of appetite becomes more concerning when it’s accompanied by:

• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness after small meals
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood or mucus in your stool

If you have any of these symptoms – or if your appetite has changed for more than two weeks – it’s time to speak to a specialist.

When to seek medical advice

You should contact a bowel specialist if:

• Your appetite has changed for no obvious reason
• You’ve lost weight without trying
• You feel full quickly when eating
• You have a persistent change in bowel habit
• You’re feeling tired or low in energy
• You have a personal or family history of bowel disease or cancer

Getting early advice can help uncover the cause and rule out serious conditions.

How we investigate loss of appetite

At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we’ll start by listening carefully to your symptoms and concerns. Your consultant may recommend:

• Blood tests – to check for signs of inflammation, infection, anaemia or vitamin deficiencies
• Stool tests – to assess for signs of inflammation, malabsorption or hidden blood
• Endoscopy or colonoscopy – to examine your gut lining for signs of inflammation, polyps or cancer
• Coeliac screening – to rule out gluten sensitivity
• Imaging – such as ultrasound, CT or MRI scans to look for structural changes or blockages

We take a holistic approach, and your care is always tailored to your individual needs.

Treatment options

Your treatment will depend on what’s causing your loss of appetite. It may include:

• Medication to treat inflammation, infection or nausea
• Dietary changes and support from a specialist dietitian
• Treatment for underlying conditions such as IBD or coeliac disease
• Surgery or oncology referral if cancer is found
• Nutritional supplements or appetite stimulants where appropriate

Our goal is to help you feel well, enjoy food again, and maintain a healthy weight.

Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?

Our expert team specialises in diagnosing and treating the full range of digestive symptoms. With fast access to investigations and a personalised care approach, we’ll help you feel more comfortable, confident and in control.

Contact us

If you’ve lost your appetite or have noticed other changes in your bowel health, don’t ignore it. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to book a consultation. We’ll help you get to the root of the problem and feel like yourself again.