Perception, Approach and Management of Loss of Appetite: A Cross-sectional, Questionnaire based Physician Survey

Patients with acute and chronic illness experience loss of appetite (LOA). Timely diagnosis and accurate clinical management are crucial to prevent nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition. There is a paucity of information on physician's perception, approach, and practices in treating LOA during illnesses in India. The aim of this study was to assess the need gap by evaluating physicians' perception and approach towards LOA.

This cross-sectional, non-interventional, observational, multicentric, questionnaire-based survey was conducted by telephonically interviewing 300 physicians (general physicians [GP]: 150; consultant physicians [CP]: 75; and pediatricians [PP]: 75) across India. All the parameters were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Mean years of experience for GPs were 16 years and that for CPs and PPs were 15 years. About 27% of GPs and 47% of CPs highlighted the importance of patient counseling and 39% of PPs proposed information leaflets, awareness campaigns to improve awareness. Overall, 98% and 93% of the physicians responded that patients with acute illnesses and chronic illnesses, respectively also have LOA. The most common age of patients presenting with LOA was below 12 years. Common symptoms presenting with LOA were weakness and fatigue. Patients are mostly concerned for LOA because of weakness as per 44% of CPs and GPs. Improving nutritional deficiency was considered as the reason to treat LOA by 59% physicians and 40% PPs. Multivitamin and multimineral containing appetite-stimulating preparations were preferred for LOA by 54% physicians. Overall, 58% of the physicians recommended appetite-stimulating tonics for one month, while 34% recommended them for 2 weeks.

Nearly all the patients with acute or chronic illnesses have LOA with weakness and fatigue as the most common presenting symptoms. There is a need to increase awareness among physicians to implement clear guidelines for the diagnosis and management of LOA. Majority of the physicians considered appetite-stimulating tonics as appropriate for the management of LOA.