severe lack of appetite.. advice please

[Numptynoggin]

not sure if this is the right place to post this. I have a problem and I don't know how to take the first step to sort it out. I had a lot of problems earlier this year, including the break up of a relationship, and as a result I lost my appetite severely and lost 1 and a half stone in a month and I still can't eat. My weight loss has slowed now to about 1 lb a week, which must be because my metabolism has goround to a halt I think. I have alwasy enjoyed my food before, and loved cooking and eating out, but now I eat maybe only once a day and that is only picking, and only if I can make myself. I don't think it is anorexia as from what I understand that is about being in control of hunger, but this is a case of food making me feel sick. I went out for lunch yesterday and struggled to finish a bowl of soup and a roll.. took me ages and my friends are now noticing.I just opened a packet of chocolate buttons for my child, and smelt them to see if it could stimulate me, but it made me retch. How do I go about sorting this out? I can't afford a private nutritionist, and I am not sure if the nhs could help. I won't be on here much today, but will check this thread at lunchtime to see if anyone has any advice

So sorry you are feeling like this. I think you should go and see your GP as it could be anxiety related, due to some of the problems in your personal life. I have suffered with anxiety and my appetite is always the first thing to go. The problem is, the less you eat, the less you want to eat, so it is a vicious circle IYSWIM. When I am bad I can hardly eat a small sandwich, let alone a meal. It is awful and makes the anxiety worse.

I'm not sure if that was much help, but I just wanted to let you know that I know how you feel and that there is help out there. x

I also struggle with keeping weight on, mostly due to stress, but I'd say please go and see your doctor. They can run blood tests to find out if there's anything obvious that is causing it, like being anaemic or thyroid problems. If you're not eating well, it's likely that you will be deficient in vitamins and minerals like iron, which will make you feel worse.

If you really are struggling, try eating very small amounts more often. I think that having low blood sugar, which you also will do if you're not eating much, can make you feel sick too - I know that sometimes I can get into a spiral where I feel too stressed to eat, then I feel queasy at the thought of food, which makes me eat less. I have to try and break the cycle by just eating something small that I think I can manage, like an apple or a piece of toast, and a drink, then I find I often feel a bit better.

I hope you feel better soon.

There are many forms of disordered eating. Some people don't eat because they have a warped body-image or fears about certain foods or they want to feel a sense of control or achievement. Others find food physically repellent... or at least have convinced themselves that it is. You don't have to consciously put yourself on a path to disordered eating with furious dieting, a long period of not eating due to illness or stress can trigger the same end result.

So do go to see your GP and get your overall health assessed. If you're underweight you could be referred to a dietician for assistance with your eating. You may need supplements if you're malnourished. You could be prescribed medication if they find you're depressed or anxious.

And I would agree with the above. Try to eat small amounts of very energy-dense foods on a regular basis. Start every day with breakfast - even if it's just yoghurt and honey - and aim to have a snack or small meal every 2 hours after that. Peanut butter, cheese, dried fruit, avocado, banana, oily fish,.... relatively calorific in small amounts and so ideal. Try to avoid bulky low-cal foods like salads for the same reason... they won't help you get your appetite back. Drinks are another good way of increasing your intake. Whole milk, fruit juices, smoothies.

Good luck

thank you all... I am not underweight (yet) I will try, but it is hard as I am sure you all agree. I will try to make an appointment with the gp. people who don't know why keep complimenting me on how much weight I have lost, which to be honest has no impact at all... I'm not trying to control my food to be thin, I just hate the thought of eating. I tried to have lunch today with my child and managed a couple of mouthfuls, but then just couldn't face anymore.