Poor Appetite

Changes in your eating habits and a loss of appetite may occur as a result of cancer and its treatment. Often medications and treatment schedules can increase tiredness and thus reduce appetite. If this happens to you, try eating small, frequent meals and snacks every 1 - 2 hours. Keep high protein, high calorie snacks and foods handy to eat when you are hungry. Avoid food smells caused by food preparation.

What to Do:

• Eat small meals or snacks every 1 - 2 hours.
• Try to keep regular eating patterns
• Avoid fluid at mealtimes , as they tend to fill you up. Drink after and between meals.
• Enjoy meals as a social occasion ; eat with family and friends where possible.
•  Keep high-calorie and high-protein snacks on hand.
• Review the tips on adding calories and protein to foods. Add these to all meals and snacks all during the day.
• Gentle exercise can stimulate the appetite.
• Ask your doctor about medications to help relieve constipation, nausea, pain or other side effects you have.