I feel full after eating very less since childhood. What is the problem with me?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 38 years old. I have not had much appetite since my childhood. I cannot eat normal meals like others. When I feel hungry and eat, I am able to eat only a smaller amount of food. After that, I have a feeling of fullness, and I am not able to eat more. I am underweight. My bones on my face are visible, and it does not look nice. I skip meals easily. I drink less water as I do not feel thirsty. I do not eat much food most of the time. What is the problem with me?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

There are certain conditions that can cause decreased appetite with weight loss and early satiety. The conditions are gastroparesis (slowing of the stomach), celiac disease (gluten allergy), a functional disorder like anorexia nervosa, and genetically related factors. It is necessary to do blood tests and a gastroscopy. I advise you to do these tests and have a follow-up with your reports. You need to do

Complete blood count.
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
Liver function tests.
BUN (blood urea nitrogen).
Creatinine.
Electrolyte tests for calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Serum CPK (creatine phosphokinase) levels.
Blood sugar and lipid profile (while fasting and after 14 hours of fasting).
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), FT4 (free thyroxine), and anti-TTG IgA (anti-tissue glutaminase IgA) and IgG (immunoglobulin G).
Urinalysis detailed report.

Based on your symptoms, you can have celiac disease, gastroparesis, or pernicious anemia for low appetite.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.