The healthcare provider will need more information when a person mentions losing his or her appetite. For instance, chronic renal failure , cirrhosis , or congestive heart failure can cause a loss of appetite. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma . Many other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.
Prevention is related to the cause.
For instance, avoiding drugs known to cause a loss of appetite can prevent cases due to drugs. Proper control of diabetes can prevent cases due to this cause. Many cases cannot be prevented. Diagnosis starts with a history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed to make the diagnosis.