Why does the body lose appetite when sick (like with the flu)? Shouldn’t it be super hungry as it needs more power to the immense system?

Question

*immune not immense

In: Biology

Answer 1

Look at it from the evolutionary perspective. Humans generally hunt and eat in groups. We are social animals. Once you are sick, possibly due to a viral infection, you have the chance to transmit it to your fellow group members. But, if you lose your appetite, that won’t happen since you did not eat with them, sharing the same table. It is a behaviour hard-wired in your brain to save the group.

Once you are sick, you lose your enthusiasm to go out, socialize with other people as well, for same reason.