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Loss of appetite

Good to know

Loss of appetite means not being hungry and feeling no desire to eat. This can lead to weight loss and increasing weakness.

Loss of appetite is caused by the illness and/or the treatment. Various factors can make loss of appetite worse, for example, changes in your sense of taste, inflammation of the lining of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, pain or constipation. Depression or sadness can also affect your appetite.

The loss of appetite is often short-lived and can be alleviated with various measures.

You feel...
Or you notice...
What you can do for yourself...
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • Slight loss of appetite
What you can do for yourself...
  • Eat whatever tastes good or whatever appeals to you the most.
  • Eat small meals and snacks. Choose food and drinks that are high in calories and rich in protein.
  • Regular exercise can stimulate the appetite.
  • Take medicines for nausea, constipation, or pain as prescribed, as these symptoms can worsen loss of appetite.
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • Loss of the desire to eat
  • Weight loss
  • Changes in your sense of taste
  • Inflammation of the lining of the mouth
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Increasing weakness
  • Strong aversion to certain foods
What you can do for yourself...
  • Try to follow the tips given in the green section.
  • Consider consulting a nutritionist for advice. Ask your treatment team for a recommendation.
  • If you find it stimulating, eat together with others where possible.
  • Loss of appetite can severely affect both you and those around you. If this is the case, try and talk about it.
You feel...
Or you notice...
  • Rapid worsening of the symptoms listed in the yellow section
  • You are no longer able to drink  
What you can do for yourself...
  • Contact the treatment team.

Tips

Nutritional advice

A nutritionist can give you further information and individual advice. Ask your treatment team for a recommendation.

Further information on this topic

You can download the flyer as PDF here

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