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Nutrition and daily life

Loss of appetite: getting strength when you can eat little

Loss of appetite is very common during treatment: the illness itself, chemotherapy, pain, tiredness and anxiety can all reduce it. This section explains how to get enough energy and protein on days when you can eat very little.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Rice, cheese and banana slices on a dark table.
Figure 1.A small, appealing plate.

01Short answer

When appetite is low, eat small portions every 2–3 hours instead of large meals. Make every bite count: add milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, butter or nut butter. Use the time when your appetite is best (often the morning). Do not drink a lot before meals. If you are losing weight, tell your team; a dietitian can suggest nutrition drinks or other options.

02Simple explanation

Small portions, often.

Enrich every bite.

Use your morning appetite.

Losing weight? Tell us.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: with poor appetite, small frequent meals, calorie- and protein-rich snacks and separating food from drinks are recommended.

ESPEN: enough energy and protein matter for preventing weight and muscle loss in people with cancer, and nutritional status should be assessed regularly.

NCI: practical eating tips exist for treatment side effects such as nausea, taste changes and mouth sores.

04What happens in the body?

Enriching food

Milk and butter in porridge, yogurt in soup, cheese in mash: more calories without more volume.

Sealed snacks on a bedside table.
Figure 2.Snacks within reach.

Surroundings

Favourite dishes, a calm setting and eating with family; keep away from strong cooking smells.

A thick nutrition drink with a straw.
Figure 3.A nutrition drink — Loss of appetite: getting strength when you can eat little

Dietitian

If you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.

Food safety

Food-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

05Nutrition: four steps

Assess, swap the risky, cook safely, eat regularly.

Assess — Weight and appetite.1AssessWeight and appetite.
Swap — A safe choice.2SwapA safe choice.
Cook — Hot throughout.3CookHot throughout.
Eat regularly — Small portions.4Eat regularlySmall portions.
StrengthEnergy.
ProteinFor muscle.
SafetyFood rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Enriching foodMilk and butter in porridge, yogurt in soup, cheese in mash: more calories without more volume.
SurroundingsFavourite dishes, a calm setting and eating with family; keep away from strong cooking smells.
DietitianIf you are losing weight, have no appetite or need a special diet, ask to see the hospital dietitian.
Food safetyFood-safety rules for neutropenia (see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”) apply at every stage.

07Key terms

Anorexia (loss of appetite)
Reduced or absent appetite.
Enriching
Adding calories and protein to food.
Dietitian
A nutrition specialist.
Protein
A nutrient for repairing muscles and tissues.
Neutropenia
Low neutrophils.

08Key points

  • Small portions.
  • Enrich every bite.
  • Report weight loss.
  • A diet is not a treatment.
  • Talk to a dietitian.

09Frequently asked questions

Are there medicines for appetite?

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe one; do not take any on your own.

People push me to eat; what can I do?

Explain to your family that small, frequent portions are easier.

Can a special diet cure leukemia?

No. Good nutrition helps you cope with treatment, but it does not cure.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Are there medicines for appetite?

  2. People push me to eat; what can I do?

  3. Can a special diet cure leukemia?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
  2. ESPEN. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer (2021)
  3. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Food and Nutrition
  4. World Health Organization. Healthy diet fact sheet
  5. British Dietetic Association. Wholegrains: Food Fact Sheet
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Added Sugars on the Nutrition Facts Label
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Dietary Fats
  8. NHS. Fat: the facts
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline (2023)
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). Trans fat — fact sheet
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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