A variety of medical problems can affect your appetite. Your illness,
medicines, or surgery can cause these problems. Many patients become
frustrated when they know they need to eat to get well but they aren't
hungry, or when they gain weight because they are fatigued and unable to
exercise.
Each of the following sections describes a nutritional problem and suggests
some possible solutions. Not all solutions will work for everyone. Choose the
remedies that fit your situation.
Decreased appetite
Lack of appetite, or decreased hunger, is one of the most troublesome
nutrition problems you can experience. Although it is a common problem, its
cause is unknown. There are some medicines that might stimulate your appetite.
Ask your doctor if such medicines would help you.
Solutions:
- Eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently. Eating six or even or
eight times a day might be more easily tolerated than eating the same
amount of food in three meals.
- Talk to your doctor. Sometimes, poor appetite is due to depression,
which can be treated. Your appetite is likely to improve after
depression is treated.
- Avoid non-nutritious beverages such as black coffee and tea.
- Try to eat more protein and fat, and less simple sugars.
- Walk or participate in light activity to stimulate your appetite.
Meal guidelines
- Drink beverages after a meal instead of before or during a meal so
you do not feel as full.
- Plan meals to include your favorite foods.
- Try eating the high-calorie foods in your meal first.
- Use your imagination to increase the variety of food you're eating.
Snack guidelines
- Don't waste your energy eating foods that provide little or no
nutritional value (such as potato chips, candy bars, colas, and other
snack foods).
- Choose high-protein and high-calorie snacks.
Dining guidelines
- Make food preparation an easy task. Choose foods that are easy to
prepare and eat.
- Make eating a pleasurable experience, not a chore.
- Liven up your meals by using colorful place settings.
- Play background music during meals.
- Eat with others. Invite a guest to share your meal or go out to
dinner.
- Use colorful garnishes such as parsley and red or yellow peppers to
make food look more appealing and appetizing.
Weight loss
If your doctor tells you that you have lost too much weight, or if you are
having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, here are some tips:
- Drink milk or try one of the "high-calorie recipes" listed
below instead of drinking low-calorie beverages.
- Ask your doctor or dietitian about nutritional supplements. Sometimes,
supplements in the form of snacks, drinks (such as Ensure or Boost), or
vitamins might be prescribed to eat between meals. These supplements help
you increase your calories and get the right amount of nutrients every
day. Note: Do not use supplements in place of your meals.
- Avoid low-fat or low-calorie products unless you have been given other
dietary guidelines. Use whole milk, whole milk cheese, and yogurt.
- Use the "Calorie Boosters" listed below to add calories to
your favorite foods.