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🍃 Loss of appetite
What it is, what helps, and when to seek medical help.
General guidance only; it does not replace medical advice. Talk to your medical team before any decision about your treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Loss of appetite: what is it and why does it happen?
Loss of appetite is caused by the treatment, medicines, stress, or changes to your taste and smell. The goal is not to eat a lot, but to give your body essential energy and nutrients, even in small amounts.
Loss of appetite: what helps?
- Eat at set times, even in very small portions — do not wait to feel hungry.
- Choose calorie-dense foods: nuts, peanut butter, avocado, Greek yogurt.
- Make the most of the moments when you feel better — usually early in the morning.
- A small plate makes a portion feel less intimidating than a large one.
- Food at room temperature or slightly cool has a less intense smell.
- Liquid nutritional supplements (such as Ensure or Fresubin) are a useful option when solid food is difficult.
- Do not judge yourself — your body is going through an extremely demanding time.
Loss of appetite: when should you seek medical help?
Weight loss of more than 1–2 kg in a week, or being unable to eat or drink anything for 24 hours — contact your doctor or dietitian.
When to seek help
Weight loss of more than 1–2 kg in a week, or being unable to eat or drink anything for 24 hours — contact your doctor or dietitian.
See all warning signsRecipes that suit Loss of appetite
45 recipes chosen for this symptom, with prep time and steps.
Banana-oat smoothie
A filling, easy-to-drink smoothie, ideal for days with low appetite or trouble swallowing.
Ginger lemon tea
Ginger is well known for its anti-nausea effect. This tea is warm, comforting, and easy to drink.
Yogurt bowl with honey and almonds
A quick breakfast or snack, rich in protein and healthy fats. A creamy texture that is easily accepted.
Avocado toast with poached egg
A breakfast dense in calories and protein, with healthy fats. A combined texture: creamy from the avocado, soft from the egg.
Protein pudding with cocoa
Tastes sweet, dense in protein, easy to accept when appetite is low. It is prepared in advance.
Strawberry smoothie with yogurt
A refreshing, protein-rich smoothie, ideal for breakfast or a quick snack.
Mango turmeric smoothie
An anti-inflammatory smoothie with sweet mango and turmeric. Warm in color, gentle on the stomach.
Avocado cocoa smoothie
A creamy, calorie-dense smoothie with a chocolate taste. Excellent for gaining weight.
Apple and carrot smoothie
A refreshing apple and carrot smoothie, lightly sweet and good for digestion.
Almond and date smoothie
An energizing smoothie, naturally sweetened by dates, with no added sugar. Rich in healthy calories.
Blueberry smoothie
A blueberry smoothie rich in antioxidants, light and refreshing.
Peach and yogurt smoothie
A delicate, fragrant smoothie made from ripe peaches, creamy thanks to the yogurt.
Pear and vanilla smoothie
A mild, aromatic smoothie, excellent for a sensitive stomach or nausea.
Mixed berry smoothie
A vibrant smoothie with a mix of berries, rich in antioxidants.
Clear chicken broth
The classic clear broth, hydrating and comforting. Ideal on nausea days or after chemotherapy.
Cream of pumpkin soup
A creamy, lightly sweet soup with a smooth texture. Rich in beta-carotene and easy to tolerate.
Cream of potato and leek soup
An adapted French classic, velvety, mild, and comforting.
Cream of tomato soup
A velvety tomato soup, lightly sweet-and-sour, rich in lycopene.
Cream of cauliflower soup
A white, gentle, easy-to-tolerate soup with a velvety texture.
Cream of spinach soup
A green soup, rich in iron and folate. A fine, comforting texture.
Pasta with olive oil and parmesan
Simple, calorie-rich pasta that is easy to make when energy is low. The perfect base for hard days.
Banana with peanut butter
A quick snack, calorie-dense, with protein and healthy fats. Perfect when appetite is minimal.
Hummus with soft veggie sticks
Creamy hummus rich in plant protein, served with cooked or soft vegetables.
Cottage cheese with fruit
A light, protein-rich and refreshing snack. Cottage cheese digests well and is tolerated even without appetite.
Cream cheese toast
Soft toast with cream cheese — quick, easy to chew, good at any time.
Chia pudding with milk
A pudding made overnight, rich in omega-3 and fiber, with a gel texture that is easy to swallow.
Almond and date energy bites
No-bake bites, naturally sweet and calorie-rich, easy to pack or eat between meals.
Warm milk with honey and cinnamon
A warm, soothing drink that helps with sleep and relaxation. Simple and always available.
Fruit smoothie bowl
A thick smoothie served in a bowl, with soft toppings. More nourishing than a regular smoothie.
Baked apple with cinnamon and honey
A simple, warm and fragrant dessert. The baked apple is soft, easy to chew and easy to accept.
Banana ice cream (1 ingredient)
Natural ice cream from frozen bananas, with no added sugar, creamy and easy to swallow.
Avocado mousse with cocoa
A creamy mousse with a chocolate taste, rich in healthy fats, dairy-free.
Rice pudding
The classic creamy rice pudding, warm or cold — accepted even on difficult days.
Steamed pears with ginger
Tender steamed pears with ginger — a gentle anti-nausea dessert, soft and hydrating.
Yogurt parfait with berries
A layered dessert with creamy yogurt and fruit — pretty to look at and easy to prepare.
Overnight oats
A breakfast made the evening before, ready in the morning. No cooking needed, creamy texture.
Whole grain pancakes
Fluffy pancakes made from whole grain flour, rich in fiber and more filling than the classic ones.
Oat porridge with fruit and nuts
A warm and filling porridge with fruit and nuts — a complete breakfast, rich in energy.
Toast with ricotta and berries
Soft toast with creamy ricotta and fruit — an elegant breakfast that is easy to accept.
Soft French toast
Fluffy, creamy French toast, rich in protein and carbs — a filling breakfast.
Semolina porridge with milk
Classic creamy semolina porridge, easy to swallow and gentle on the digestive tract.
Tuna and avocado salad
A light, protein-rich and creamy salad, served on soft bread or on its own. Quick and nourishing.
Cottage cheese bowl with vegetables
A light meal with cottage cheese and soft vegetables — protein-rich, cold, and welcome at any time of day.
High-protein Greek yogurt and seed bowl
A quick, protein-rich bowl — Greek yogurt with chia seeds, flax and dried fruit.
Tuna pasta salad
A hearty tuna pasta salad, easy to prepare and nourishing.