Loss of appetite: what to eat

Poor appetite may accompany nausea, pain, fever, altered taste, stress, or an illness affecting the stomach or liver. It can occur with infections such as COVID-19 or influenza, digestive problems such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, or peptic ulcer, and emotional changes including depression. Pancreatic cancer and hepatitis A are less common possibilities that require clinical assessment; appetite loss alone cannot identify its cause.

Try yoghurt, soup, porridge, eggs, soft rice, bananas, toast, beans, or a smoothie, depending on what you tolerate. Add energy and protein with milk, yoghurt, nut butter, cheese, eggs, or lentils. Eat at the time of day when food seems most appealing, keep snacks within reach, and avoid strong smells if they worsen nausea. Take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink; a clinician or dietitian can suggest alternatives if swallowing or vomiting is a problem.

Arrange medical advice if appetite loss persists, keeps returning, or is accompanied by unintentional weight loss, repeated vomiting, trouble swallowing, persistent abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin, or marked weakness. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, vomiting blood, or black stools.

Ask what may be reducing your appetite, whether medicines could contribute, which foods fit your symptoms, and what signs should prompt an urgent review. Mention changes in weight, bowel movements, pain, nausea, mood, and fluid intake.