Appetite loss when you're living with a terminal illness

Causes of appetite loss

There are lots of things which can cause you to lose your appetite:

• feeling stressed, worried or depressed
• treatments for your illness like radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or medications, which can cause changes to your sense of taste and smell
• symptoms of your illness, like pain, feeling sick, or difficulty swallowing
• problems with your mouth, like if it's dry or sore, dental problems, or oral thrush.

Managing appetite loss

Towards the end of life, it's normal to want to eat and drink less. However, there are things you can do which can help if you've lost your appetite:

• Try foods with a variety of flavours and smells to stimulate your appetite.
• Eat smaller meals more regularly.
• If your appetite loss is causing you to lose weight, fattier foods such as cheese, cream and oil can make sure you're getting lots of energy even if you can't manage big portions.
• Eat when you feel like it – you don't have to stick to traditional mealtimes.
• Try to take your time with meals – if you're able to, eat slowly.
• Tell your doctor or nurse so they can manage any symptoms that are affecting your appetite. For example, if you feel sick, treating the sickness may help you to regain your appetite.

Professionals who can help

Speak to your doctor or nurse if you're worried about your appetite, your weight, or how much you're eating. They may be able to help you with symptoms, or put you in touch with one of these professionals:

• A dietitian can work with you to find out why your appetite has changed. They can help find foods you feel like eating. They might ask you about the ways your diet has changed recently, and whether you have any symptoms which make it harder for you to eat.
• A speech and language therapist can help you if you're having difficulty swallowing or have other symptoms which make it hard to eat.

Speak to your doctor or nurse before making any major changes to your diet.

If you're worried about appetite loss

It can be worrying if you lose your appetite and find yourself eating less. It can be worrying for the people close to you, too.

Although it can be distressing, try to remember that it's common to want to eat and drink less as your illness progresses. Doing some of the things above, like having small, high-calorie snacks often, will help make sure you're getting the energy you need.

Speak to your doctor or nurse if you're worried.

Other eating and drinking problems

We have information on other problems you may have with eating and drinking:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
• Mouth problems and mouth care
• Assisted eating and drinking, including practical tips for eating and drinking

Myths about food and drink

You may have heard stories about certain foods being linked to illnesses, or "superfoods" being able to prevent illnesses.

A healthy, balanced diet can reduce the risk of lots of illnesses, such as heart disease and bowel cancer. But there's no evidence that eating particular foods can cure illnesses.

Read more about food myths when you're ill.  

External websites

Cancer Research UK   – taste changes and loss of appetite

Macmillan Cancer Support   – eating problems

NHS Inform (Scotland)   – eating problems

Nidirect   – healthy eating and drinking for older people