: Taste and smell are our first line of defense against spoiled food, gas leaks, or fire. Why Does It Happen?
It’s rare to lose taste entirely without also losing your sense of smell, as the two are intricately linked. Coping with the loss of smell and taste - Harvard Health tastelessness
For those who have lost their sense of taste—whether from a cold, COVID-19, or side effects of treatments like chemotherapy—the experience is often described as eating "flavorless bubble gum" or "cardboard". : Taste and smell are our first line
: Without the pleasure of eating, many suffer from poor appetite and unintended weight loss. Conversely, some may gain weight by seeking out high-calorie, "crunchy" foods just to feel something through texture. tastelessness