Anxiety & Appetite

What is the link between anxiety and appetite?

Anxiety can significantly impact appetite, causing either a reduction in food intake (loss of appetite) or, in some cases, emotional overeating. These changes can affect overall health, energy levels, and emotional wellbeing.

How common are appetite changes with anxiety?

Changes in appetite are very common among people with anxiety disorders. Many individuals experience a diminished appetite during periods of intense anxiety, while others may turn to food for comfort.

Are appetite changes with anxiety serious?

They can be. Persistent appetite disturbances can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, gastrointestinal issues, or unhealthy weight gain if emotional eating becomes frequent.

When and how to get help with anxiety-related appetite changes

If you experience ongoing changes in appetite alongside anxiety symptoms like excessive worry, restlessness, or physical symptoms (e.g., heart palpitations), it’s important to seek medical support.

How to know if anxiety is affecting your appetite

• Loss of interest in food during anxious periods
  
• Eating very little or skipping meals
  
• Stomach discomfort or nausea when anxious
  
• Emotional eating during episodes of anxiety
  

Typical signs and symptoms of appetite changes with anxiety

• Rapid weight loss or gain
  
• Gastrointestinal upset (e.g., nausea, indigestion)
  
• Heightened food cravings for high-sugar, high-fat foods
  
• Feeling unable to eat despite hunger signals
  

Complications of untreated appetite changes with anxiety

• Malnutrition
  
• Weight fluctuations
  
• Worsening anxiety and fatigue
• Development of gastrointestinal conditions
• Sleep disturbance due to poor dietary habits

What causes appetite changes in anxiety?

• Activation of the “fight or flight” response suppressing digestion
  
• Elevated cortisol and adrenaline levels
  
• Emotional reliance on food for comfort
  
• Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea
  

Risk factors for developing appetite changes with anxiety

• Chronic stress
  
• History of eating disorders
  
• Poor stress management skills
  
• High-pressure work or school environments

Are appetite changes in anxiety hereditary or lifestyle-based?

They are influenced by both genetics (predisposition to anxiety disorders) and lifestyle factors such as coping mechanisms and stress levels.

How are appetite changes in anxiety diagnosed?

A GP or mental health professional will assess symptoms through clinical interviews, focusing on appetite patterns, weight changes, and anxiety-related behaviours.

Tests and assessments used to identify anxiety-related appetite issues

• GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire)
  
• Medical history and dietary assessment
• Weight tracking and gastrointestinal evaluations if needed

Medical treatment for anxiety and appetite issues

• Anti-anxiety medications (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs)
  
• Therapy (e.g., CBT) to address underlying anxiety
  
• Nutritional support if significant weight changes occur
  

Therapies and interventions

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  
• Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
  
• Nutrition counselling
  
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy (for GI symptoms)

Do medications help with anxiety-related appetite issues?

Medications that manage anxiety can indirectly stabilise appetite. Some medications may initially affect appetite and should be monitored.

Lifestyle changes to manage appetite in anxiety

• Establish structured meal times
  
• Practise stress management techniques
  
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol
  
• Engage in regular physical activity
  

Home remedies and self-help

• Keep a daily food and mood diary
  
• Use breathing exercises to manage anxiety before meals
  
• Plan small, manageable meals
• Build a calming pre-meal routine

When should you get medical help for anxiety and appetite?

• Persistent appetite changes lasting more than two weeks
  
• Significant weight loss or gastrointestinal symptoms should prompt urgent medical review
• Anxiety interfering with daily life and wellbeing

Anxiety and appetite in children

Children may show refusal to eat, stomach aches, or emotional eating patterns when anxious. Seek medical support early.

Anxiety and appetite during pregnancy

Anxiety can exacerbate nausea and food aversions; professional support is important.

Anxiety and appetite in older adults

Often under-recognised; anxiety may lead to poor appetite, weight loss, and frailty.

Can you prevent appetite changes with anxiety?

Managing anxiety early and developing healthy coping strategies can help prevent appetite disturbances.

Tips to reduce your risk

• Practise daily relaxation techniques
  
• Maintain regular meals and hydration
  
• Seek help early for anxiety symptoms
• Build a strong social support system

Living with anxiety and appetite changes

Managing both anxiety and nutrition is key for overall health. Therapy, lifestyle habits, and medical support can foster long-term recovery.

How to manage in the long term

• Continue therapy as needed
  
• Regular check-ins with your GP
  
• Prioritise mental health and self-care
  
• Focus on balanced, consistent nutrition

Dr Jackir Hussain is a GP who has been a doctor for 14 years after obtaining his medical degree from the University of Manchester, England. He has worked across a range of primary care settings and has special interests in weight management and telemedicine.

Dr Abby Hyams completed her medical training in Bristol and has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases, the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.