← Back
After treatment and remission

Return of appetite

After treatment ends, the wish to eat may not come back straight away. This topic explains why appetite recovers slowly and what helps in daily life.

Last updated: ~2 min read
A small bowl with warm steam of light.
Figure 1.Appetite returns little by little.

01Short answer

Poor appetite is very common during and after leukaemia treatment. The causes include changes in taste and smell, a dry or sore mouth, nausea, feeling full quickly, tiredness, anxiety and some medicines. Taste cells usually renew over a few weeks, so taste most often returns gradually after chemotherapy; after a transplant or head and neck radiation this can take longer. The NCI’s general tips: eat little and often, use the times when you have more energy, choose foods you like and that taste good to you, and keep mealtimes calm. Long-lasting poor appetite and weight loss should be reported to your doctor.

02Simple explanation

Poor appetite is very common.

Taste usually returns gradually.

Little and often helps.

Use the hours when you have more energy.

If it lasts — tell your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

Taste cells: they renew quickly; chemotherapy affects them, and as they renew taste gradually recovers.

Causes: according to the NCI, nausea, mouth sores, dry mouth, constipation, pain and depression affect appetite; treating the cause improves it.

Nutrition support: ESPEN recommends early dietitian advice for people at risk of weight loss.

Transplant: after an allogeneic transplant, graft-versus-host disease in the mouth can affect taste and swallowing; your doctor assesses this.

04What happens in the body?

Why does appetite return slowly?

The body is still recovering, taste has changed, and tiredness and anxiety reduce the wish to eat.

Taste changes

Food may taste metallic, bitter or bland. This is usually temporary. Different seasonings, slightly sour or cool foods sometimes help.

Small taste buds lighting up one by one.
Figure 2.Taste cells renew — Return of appetite

Little and often

Instead of three large meals, 5–6 small meals through the day may be easier.

Five small plates along an arc like the sun’s path.
Figure 3.Small meals through the day.

Setting and routine

A calm, pleasant setting, eating with loved ones and regular mealtimes support appetite. A gentle walk before eating may also help.

Treating the cause

If you have nausea, mouth sores, constipation or depression, treating them improves appetite — tell your doctor.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Getting the wish to eat back

Steps that support appetite.

Signals — Notice hunger signals.1SignalsNotice hunger signals.
Small portions — Little and often.2Small portionsLittle and often.
Taste — Try different flavours.3TasteTry different flavours.
Routine — Calm, regular mealtimes.4RoutineCalm, regular mealtimes.
AppetiteReturns gradually.
TasteRenews.
EnergyFood rebuilds strength.

06Problems and general tips (simplified)

ProblemGeneral tipWho to tell
Feeling full fastLittle and oftenDietitian
Metallic tasteTry other flavoursDoctor, dietitian
Dry mouthWater, moist foodsDoctor
NauseaTreat the causeDoctor
Weight lossEarly supportDoctor, dietitian

* Follow the food-safety rules (section 5 of this site).

07Key terms

Appetite loss
A reduced wish to eat.
Taste disturbance
Changed or weaker taste.
Early satiety
Feeling full after a small amount of food.
Xerostomia
Dry mouth.
Mucositis
Inflammation of the lining of the mouth.
Nutrition support
Help from a dietitian and special foods when needed.

08Key points

  • Poor appetite is common.
  • Taste returns gradually.
  • Eat little and often.
  • A calm setting helps.
  • Get causes treated.
  • If it lasts, see your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

When will my taste come back?

Most often within weeks or a few months; after a transplant it can take longer.

Should I force myself to eat?

Do not force yourself, but eating small portions regularly matters.

Are there medicines for appetite?

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

What can family do?

Offer favourite foods without pressure, eat together and keep things calm.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

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. When will my taste come back?

  2. Should I force myself to eat?

  3. Are there medicines for appetite?

  4. What can family do?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Appetite Loss and Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment
  3. American Cancer Society. Nutrition for People with Cancer
  4. Clinical Nutrition, 2021. Muscaritoli M et al. ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical Nutrition in cancer
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  7. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  8. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
  10. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Long-Term Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →