Poor appetite and weight loss

After surgery, swallowing will be difficult and this may make it hard to eat. It is important to maintain your weight to avoid malnutrition. Even a small drop in your weight (e.g. 3–4 kg), particularly over a short period of time, can make your recovery slower.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nausea, irritation to the oesophagus or a sore mouth. These side effects may make eating uncomfortable.

How to prevent unplanned weight loss

• Have a snack or small meal every 2–3 hours if you have lost your appetite and don’t feel hungry.
• Keep a variety of snacks handy (e.g. in your bag or car).
• Eat when you feel hungry or crave certain foods. Eat slowly and stop and rest when you are full.
• Avoid filling up on liquids at mealtimes, unless it’s a hearty soup, so you have room for nourishing food.
• Try to drink fluids that add energy (kilojoules), such as milk, milkshakes, smoothies or nutritional supplement drinks recommended by your dietitian.
• Prevent dehydration by drinking fluids between meals (30–60 minutes before or after meals).
• Try eating different foods to see if your taste and tolerance for some foods have changed.
• Ask your dietitian how you can increase your energy and protein intake.
• Don’t eat for a few hours before bed. It may make you uncomfortable, bring on reflux and disturb your sleep.

Podcast: Appetite Loss and Nausea

Listen to more episodes from our podcast for people affected by cancer