Loss of appetite in Dubai: Which Doctor to See
Loss of appetite means you feel less interest in eating or stop feeling hungry. It is a common symptom and can be temporary (for example with a short illness or jet lag) or more persistent when related to an ongoing health issue.
Common broad causes include infections, digestive (gastrointestinal) conditions, medication side effects, mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, and general medical conditions that affect metabolism or energy. Local factors in Dubai — such as dehydration from heat, disrupted sleep from shift work or travel, exposure to dust, or the stress of relocation — can also reduce appetite.
When to seek urgent care
- •Sudden inability to eat or drink, or drooling because you cannot swallow
- •High fever, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or blood in vomit/stool
- •Rapid, unexplained weight loss over weeks
- •New yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) or dark urine
- •Confusion, fainting, or very low urine output (possible severe dehydration)
If any of these apply, call 998 (Dubai ambulance) or go to the nearest emergency department. Emergency numbers
Conditions a doctor may consider
Commonly associated causes — only a doctor can diagnose which (if any) applies to you.
Gastroenteritis and infections
Acute stomach or intestinal infections (viral or bacterial) commonly reduce appetite along with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Doctors will consider recent travel, food intake, and symptom onset.
Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining or small ulcers can cause discomfort after eating and lead to reduced desire to eat. Symptoms may include upper abdominal pain, bloating, or heartburn.
Chronic liver or pancreatic conditions
Diseases affecting the liver or pancreas can cause ongoing digestive symptoms and loss of appetite. These conditions often come with other signs such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or unexplained weight loss.
Medication side effects
Many prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines can lower appetite. A doctor will review recent or current medications and supplements as a likely cause.
Mental health causes (anxiety, depression)
Emotional stress, anxiety, and depression commonly reduce interest in eating. Appetite changes may be accompanied by low mood, sleep changes, or concentration difficulties.
Endocrine or metabolic conditions
Problems such as thyroid disorders, diabetes, or adrenal issues can change appetite. These are assessed with a clinical history and blood tests.
Which specialist should you see?
A gastroenterologist (a doctor specializing in the digestive system) is the specialist most commonly involved when loss of appetite is linked to stomach, liver, pancreas, esophagus or intestinal disorders. They evaluate symptoms, interpret imaging and endoscopy if needed, and coordinate care for digestive diseases.
In many cases you should first see a general practitioner (GP) or family physician in Dubai. A GP can assess urgency, review medications, screen for common causes (including mental health and dehydration), order basic blood tests or imaging, and refer you to a gastroenterologist or other specialist (endocrinologist, psychiatrist, or infectious disease physician) when appropriate.
While you wait for your appointment
- •Keep hydrated, especially in Dubai’s heat — sip water or oral rehydration fluids regularly
- •Eat small, plain, and frequent snacks if full meals feel difficult (e.g., crackers, yogurt, fruit)
- •Avoid strong odors or very greasy, spicy foods if they trigger nausea
- •Monitor symptoms and note any new medicines, recent travel, or exposures to report to your doctor
- •Rest and manage stress: regular sleep and simple relaxation can help appetite recover
What to expect at the visit
At a GP or gastroenterology appointment you’ll be asked about symptom timing, weight change, recent travel, medications, alcohol use, and mental health. The clinician will perform a physical exam, focusing on the abdomen and signs of dehydration, liver disease, or other systemic problems.
Common next steps include blood tests (for infection, liver, kidney, thyroid function, and inflammation), urine tests, and sometimes imaging such as abdominal ultrasound. If needed, a gastroenterologist may recommend endoscopy (a camera exam of the stomach and esophagus) or refer to other specialists based on findings.
Top-rated gastroenterology facilities in Dubai
51 matching facilities, ranked by DubaiMed Rating.
Dr Piyush Somani Gastroenterologist
Dr Piyush Somani is consistently praised by patients for clear communication, calm manner, and successful endoscopic procedures (colonoscopy, gastroscopy, capsule endoscopy) performed at Emirates Specialty Hospital. Public evidence is strong on patient experience and procedural competence but limited or absent on formal credentials, pricing, and detailed facility/access information.
American Hospital Dubai Science Park
Based on multiple recent 5-star patient reviews and a strong Google rating, American Hospital Dubai Science Park appears to provide consistently kind, professional clinical care in a modern, clean facility. Evidence is strong on patient experience, emergency response and surgical/endoscopic care, but there is no website content or public pricing/credential information in the provided evidence.
Dr Kaiser Raja
Dr Kaiser Raja is presented as an experienced hepatologist and transplant hepatology consultant with consistently excellent patient reviews praising his diagnostic skill, long-term involvement, and communication. The website and reviews show strong expertise in complex liver disease and transplantation, but there is limited evidence about facilities, pricing, or booking processes.
Dr.Akhilesh
Dr. Akhilesh (Prime Hospital – Garhoud) is consistently praised in patient reviews for surgical skill, clear communication and attentive post‑operative follow up, and the clinic’s website highlights extensive laparoscopic and GI surgical experience. Public evidence about the physical facilities, pricing, hours or formal accreditations is limited, so judgments rely mainly on patient reports and the provider’s stated credentials.
DrNigelDubai Gastro-Liver Doc Cambridge University
Dr Nigel Beejay is presented as an experienced consultant gastroenterologist and endoscopy expert based at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah with consistently excellent patient reviews praising his communication, compassion, and clear explanations. The available evidence is strong on patient experience and clinical reputation but sparse on facility details, pricing/insurance transparency, and practical access information.
Aster Hospital - Mankhool
Aster Hospital - Mankhool is a Canadian-accredited, 100-bed hospital in Dubai with consistently positive patient reviews praising doctors, nurses and surgical/maternity outcomes. Website claims modern facilities (ICU, NICU, OTs, cath lab) and many specialties, but public evidence about pricing, wait times and parking is limited.
Swift Day Surgery
Swift Day Surgery Centre in Jumeirah shows consistently excellent patient feedback for minimally invasive procedures — reviewers repeatedly praise friendly staff, clear communication, and clean, well‑organized facilities. Website lists multiple specialist consultants and an affiliation with Biolitec, but public details on pricing, formal accreditations, and hours are limited.
Dr. Gaurav Muktesh
Dr. Gaurav Muktesh is a highly experienced gastroenterologist with strong qualifications and consistently excellent patient reviews praising communication, procedural skill and outcomes. The website documents advanced training and a large volume of endoscopic experience, but public information about clinic facilities, hours or pricing is limited.
Yugen Care by Dr. Gehad
Yugen Care by Dr. Gehad is a well-reviewed Jumeirah medical and wellness clinic with consistently positive patient reports about friendly staff, good outcomes (notably pilonidal surgery), and modern, clean facilities. Evidence is limited to the clinic website and a small sample of glowing reviews, so some operational and credential details are not documented here.
GMS Clinic
GMS Clinic is a small, downtown Dubai medical centre with consistently positive patient reviews praising clinicians, communication, and same-day access. The website lists an experienced, multilingual team and on-site diagnostics, but public information on pricing and external accreditations is limited.
Dr Cecilio Azar
Patient reviews consistently praise Dr. Cecilio Azar for kindness, clear communication, availability, and successful endoscopy/colonoscopy care. Evidence is strongly positive on patient experience and clinical outcomes, but there is little public information on facilities, pricing, or formal credentials.
HealthHub Day Surgery - Festival City
HealthHub Day Surgery - Festival City presents as a modern, well-equipped day-surgery and specialty clinic with consistently positive patient reports about staff kindness, communication, and safe procedures. The website documents extensive on-site diagnostics, a pharmacy and many specialties, but the evidence provided does not show pricing detail or formal accreditation information.
Loss of appetite in Dubai — FAQs
Common questions about loss of appetite and seeing a specialist in Dubai.
Sources & editorial note
This guide is consistent with public patient guidance from: NHS, Mayo Clinic, MedlinePlus.
This page is informational only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed doctor about your symptoms. In an emergency call 998.