Many older people take multiple medications to treat common age-related conditions.

Unfortunately, these medications can cause side effects — including dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea — that reduce appetite and lead to weight loss.

Medicines that can directly interfere with appetite include those for anxiety, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-epileptics, antihistamines, anti-inflammatory drugs, decongestants, medicines for Parkinson’s disease, lipid-lowering drugs, muscle relaxants, and many others.