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Poor appetite, weight loss, or overeating in last 2W

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This PHQ-9 question screens for appetite and weight changes during the previous two weeks as part of a depression symptom assessment.

Quick summary

This is a symptom-screening question about appetite and weight change, not a blood or laboratory test.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
104138-3
Short code
POORAPPETITEWEIGHTLOSSOROVEREATINGINLAST2W
Synonyms
—
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
reported-phq
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This is one question from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), a patient-reported screening tool used to assess symptoms of depression. It asks about poor appetite, weight loss, or overeating during the last two weeks.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may use this question to screen for changes in appetite or weight that can occur with depression or other health conditions. It may also help assess how symptoms are changing over time.

How is the test performed?

You answer a questionnaire item based on how often you have experienced poor appetite, weight loss, or overeating during the previous two weeks. No blood sample or other specimen is required.

How do I prepare for the test?

Think about your appetite, eating habits, and any weight changes over the last two weeks. Answer as accurately as you can, and discuss any intentional dieting, illness, medication effects, or other factors that may explain the change.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Poor appetite and unintentional weight loss may occur with depression, acute or chronic illness, medication effects, or other nutritional concerns. Overeating can also be a symptom associated with mood disorders. This question is a screening aid and cannot determine the cause of a symptom on its own.

Short name

PHQ-9 Appetite and Weight Change

Frequently asked questions

Is this a laboratory test?
No. It is a patient-reported question used within the PHQ-9 depression screening questionnaire.
What time period should I consider when answering?
Consider the two weeks immediately before completing the questionnaire and choose the response that best reflects how often the symptom occurred.
Does an abnormal answer mean I have depression?
No. A single response does not diagnose depression. The result should be interpreted with your other symptoms, medical history, and a clinician's assessment.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy