Clinical Nutritionist Practice Test

What commonly affects a sick person's appetite?

1. Increased cravings for food

2. Medications and diseases that induce nausea

3. Consistent meal timing

4. Physical activity levels

The correct answer is: Medications and diseases that induce nausea

A sick person's appetite can be significantly influenced by medications and diseases that induce nausea. When someone is ill, their body may respond to the underlying condition or the side effects of medications with feelings of nausea, which naturally diminishes the desire to eat. This phenomenon occurs because the body's focus shifts towards healing and away from digestion, and nausea can psychologically and physiologically suppress appetite, making food less appealing. In contrast, while increased cravings for food, consistent meal timing, and physical activity levels can all play roles in appetite regulation, they do not have the same direct, commonly experienced impact as nausea caused by illness or medication. For example, consistent meal timing can promote regular eating patterns but doesn’t necessarily counteract the appetite loss caused by nausea.