psyche
Appetite Changes
Adverse effectAppetite Changes is an adverse effect involving a noticeable shift in how much a person wants to eat. In the examples listed here, it includes decreased appetite or anorexia, meaning reduced interest in food.
Appetite Changes is listed under psyche, providing a focused starting point for exploring this health effect.
These are research findings, not promises. Most options have little evidence, and results differ from person to person.
What can cause it
How likely each one is to cause it, most likely first.
AcupuncturepracticeUnclear
Based on 2 studies. Strongest study: a pooled analysis of several trials.
Pooled analyses of randomized trials reported anorexia, and a pooled review reported low appetite, in studies involving people with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
Open the Acupuncture pageCyclingpracticeUnclear
Based on 2 studies. Strongest study: a randomized controlled trial.
Open the Cycling pageFastingpracticeUnclear
Based on 2 studies. Strongest study: a narrative review.
A 2024 review described decreased appetite in a clinical population, but did not quantify the change.
Open the Fasting page
The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.
What can cause it
Interventions reported to bring this on3 listedHighest probability
- →PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
Pooled analyses of randomized trials reported anorexia, and a pooled review reported low appetite, in studies involving people with Ankylosing Spondylitis.
- →PracticesCyclingCertaintyLowSourceClinical2 other sources
In a randomized trial of 12 people, fullness ratings were higher in fed than fasted trials (48 ± 28 vs. 37 ± 29 mm).
Who was studied
- People with a condition
Open CyclingStudy result
Fullness ratings (100 mm VAS) were higher in the fed compared to the fasted trials (48 ± 28 vs. 37 ± 29 mm).
- →PracticesFastingCertaintyLowSourceReview2 other sources
A 2024 review described decreased appetite in a clinical population, but did not quantify the change.
How to read the evidence
Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound
- StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
- ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
- PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
- LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
- InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.
Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real
- Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
- HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
- MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
- LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
- Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence
Source — where the data comes from
- Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
- RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
- ClinicalA human clinical study
- Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
- Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
- Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
- TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested
Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)
- AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
- BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
- CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
- DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only
Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding
A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement
Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.
Full write-up
What is it
Appetite Changes is an adverse effect involving a noticeable shift in how much a person wants to eat. In the examples listed here, it includes decreased appetite or anorexia, meaning reduced interest in food. It may occur in connection with interventions such as CBD (Cannabidiol), Saffron Extract, Milk Thistle (Silymarin), or Reishi.
How interventions help
The interventions associated with appetite changes generally point toward reduced appetite, described as decreased appetite, loss of appetite, anorexia, or poor appetite. Cycling differs in that the reported change was in perceived fullness: fullness ratings were higher in fed compared to fasted trials. These findings describe different ways appetite may be experienced rather than one uniform outcome.
The practical timing information is limited. CBD (Cannabidiol) was studied over 3-16 weeks, while L-Theanine was studied with 280 mg theanine + 700 mg cystine over 5 weeks. The L-Theanine finding was classified as unlikely related to the study product, and conflicting evidence was noted. No onset time or persistence after stopping is specified for these interventions or the other entries, so the information does not establish how quickly appetite changes appear or whether they continue after use ends.
The studies do not cover one clearly defined population: most entries do not specify health status, whereas Cycling was studied in a clinical-condition context. The reported appetite changes also vary in character, from general appetite reduction to anorexia, poor appetite, or upset stomach. This makes the findings useful for understanding possible directions of change, but not for assuming that every intervention affects appetite in the same way or to the same extent.
Choosing guidance
The options are not directly interchangeable. Clinical evidence is available for many of them, but the studies generally involved people with an unspecified health status, so it is unclear how well the findings apply to a particular condition or to generally healthy users. Cycling is different: its evidence comes from people with a clinical condition, which limits direct comparison with the supplement options.
The amount taken and study length also vary. For example, the reported L-Theanine study used 280 mg theanine + 700 mg cystine for 5 weeks, while CBD (Cannabidiol) was studied using various doses over 3-16 weeks. These findings describe study conditions rather than universal regimens. No onset timing is provided, so the options cannot be ranked by how quickly an appetite change might appear.
For a more cautious comparison, distinguish evidence from clinical studies from findings based on anecdotal reports or pharmacology references. Some options were examined in meta-analyses, systematic reviews, or randomized controlled trials, while others have less direct support. The reported outcomes are also not fully consistent: some describe reduced appetite or anorexia, while others involve broader appetite changes or appetite-related discomfort. L-Theanine has conflicting evidence, and Bacopa Monnieri and Melatonin are described as potentially changing appetite in either direction. This makes those options less suitable when a specific direction of appetite change is important.