At times, stress or extreme weather conditions can make you feel less hungry than usual. The weather can make people crave for water and watery foods and cool drinks. It is advisable, as such, to listen to your body and take dietary decisions to avoid indigestion.Occasionally losing the desire to eat solid food is not uncommon, but when it happens repeatedly, it may point to an underlying issue. The loss of appetite for solid foods can arise from both physical and psychological factors, and understanding the cause is the first step toward managing it effectively.Dr Ganesh Viswanathan, Consultant- Department of Internal Medicine, KIMSHEALTH Trivandrum told indianexpress.com that loss of interest in eating solid food can have many causes, ranging from temporary and harmless to serious.Common, short-term reasons include:• Viral or bacterial infections – fever, sore throat, or gastroenteritis often reduce appetite.• Stress, anxiety, or depression – can blunt hunger cues.• Medications – some antibiotics, painkillers, or antidepressants affect taste and appetite.• Minor digestive issues – acid reflux, indigestion, or a recent heavy meal.Pratiksha Kadam, Chief Dietitian Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai added that dental or oral problems can lead to pain from cavities, gum disease, or sore throat that can make chewing difficult. Loss of interest in eating solid food can have many causes, ranging from temporary and harmless to serious. (Source: Freepik)According to Dr Viswanathan, sometimes it occurs during illness, emotional stress, hot weather, or while recovering from surgery and often improves once the trigger settles. Immediate evaluation is advised if loss of appetite is persistent (more than a few days) or accompanied by common symptoms such as:• Unintentional weight loss• Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing• Persistent nausea or vomiting• Abdominal pain, bloating, or jaundice• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, very little urine)Story continues below this ad“These could signal underlying problems such as peptic ulcer disease, liver or kidney disorders, endocrine issues (like thyroid disease or diabetes), or even certain cancers,” he added.How can you treat this?Dr Viswanathan suggested some practical tips to help counter this problem:• Eat small, frequent meals and keep well hydrated.• Include nutrient-dense liquids (soups, smoothies) if solids feel heavy.• Address stress with relaxation techniques and adequate sleep.• If medications are a concern, discuss alternatives or timing with your doctor.Kadam added that regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep support healthy appetite regulation. Treat oral health issues, adjust medications if needed, and seek professional help if mental health is a contributing factor.Story continues below this adIn conclusion, occasional loss of appetite is often benign and self-limited. However, if it persists, recurs frequently, or is linked with the red-flag signs above, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to rule out underlying disease.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.