A lack of appetite can lead to unintentional weight loss. If you suffer from an illness, such as cancer, liver disease, kidney failure or HIV, you need calories to help support treatment. Many elderly people also lose their appetites, causing them to grow weak and frail due to low body weight and poor nutrition. If you are naturally thin, you may want to stimulate your appetite to reach a healthy body mass index that makes you less vulnerable to infection and helps raise your energy levels. While prescription appetite stimulants are sometimes prescribed by doctors, natural ways to increase the appetite are available.
Exercise
While burning calories through exercise seems contrary to gaining weight, it can actually help stimulate your appetite, according to registered dietitian Joanne Larsen on Ask the Dietitian. You do not have to exercise vigorously to experience the appetite-stimulating effects. A short, modestly-paced walk several times a day is sufficient. Check with your health provider to be sure you are healthy enough for physical activity.
Eat More at Night
Snacking extra before bedtime can help make you hungrier the next morning. A large meal before bedtime increases the release of insulin, explains bodybuilding and fitness expert Chris Aceto in "Flex Magazine." An occasional large snack before sleeping can help increase the metabolism and thus the appetite. Carbohydrates are particularly effective at creating this insulin release so go for graham crackers, a peanut butter sandwich or even fruit juice all of which are high in carbohydrates.
Moderate Fiber Intake
While fiber is essential to keeping your digestive tract healthy, too much can create feelings of fullness that prevent you from taking in extra calories. Stick to the minimums recommended by the Institute of Medicine--25 g for adult females and 38 g for men ages 19 to 50 years and 21 g for females and 30 g for men over age 50.
Seek Company
Eating with other people may help you eat more, writes Larsen. Invite single elderly people to family meals. Schedule hospital visits for mealtime, and eat with the patient. If you often find yourself eating alone, seek out social engagements such as potlucks or mixers.
Quit Drinking at Mealtime
Drinking liquids, even water, with meals can inhibit your appetite and cause you to take in less food. MayoClinic.com advises you drink 30 minutes before meals to prevent feelings of fullness.
Eat Cold Food
If you are averse to foods' strong smells, try eating cold or room temperature meals. Hot food releases more odors, which may be a challenge to those suffering from frequent nausea. Pasta, egg, chicken or potato salads and hearty sandwiches are higher calorie, cold-food options.
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