Sometimes people want to increase their appetite because they're underweight, or because they're dealing with an illness or treatment that depletes the appetite. Even recovering from surgery sometimes involves a restricted diet that can leave you uninspired to eat. Additionally, elderly people sometimes lose weight unintentionally due to decreasing appetite. Everyone needs adequate nutrition to regain and maintain health. Fortunately, there are several ways to increase appetite.
Eat Small Meals
Eat four to six small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Trying to eat a large meal when you don't feel hungry can seem overwhelming and may actually result in worse aversion to food, as explained by an article published in the February 15, 2002 issue of American Family Physician (AFP).
Break Routines
Don't feel compelled to stick to a routine, and ask your family for support in this aspect. Eat when you have an appetite. Don't force yourself to have a meal at noon or 5:00 p.m. just because you've always done so, or because that's when other people in your household are eating. If you're working, ask your supervisor for support as well. You may be allowed to have a more flexible lunch schedule or to eat at your workspace.
Ease Restrictions
If you're on a restricted diet, you may have lost your appetite because the food simply isn't enticing. The AFP article recommends that health care practitioners lift dietary limitations as soon as possible. Ask your doctor if you can start including more of your favorite foods or if you can add flavor enhancers that would encourage you to eat more.
Avoid Mealtime Fluids
Avoid drinking water or other liquids before meals. Water and other fluids can decrease appetite and make you feel full. The AFP study notes that elderly patients who drank a liquid nutritional supplement with meals did not raise their total daily caloric intake.
Include Wine
The recommendation to avoid fluids before meals may have one exception. The Mayo Clinic began a study in 2009 to determine whether a small amount of white wine stimulates appetite in patients undergoing chemotherapy. An article published in the April 1, 2007 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Oncology" noted that major organizations for cancer patients recommend drinking a glass of wine before a meal to stimulate appetite because wine has this effect on healthy individuals. If this sounds appealing, ask your doctor whether this is a suitable option for you.
Exercise
Exercise if you are well enough to do so, because exercise can increase appetite, as explained by Gail Wilkes in the 1999 book "Cancer and HIV Clinical Nutrition Pocket Guide." Take at least a 30-minute daily walk if possible, and perform more strenuous activity if you can. If you have a serious illness, check with your doctor before adding any new exercise to your routine or lengthening the amount of time you exercise.
Medication
Ask your health care practitioner about drugs to control nausea if you experience this problem. Medications also are available that stimulate appetite, and some medications have both effects. Be aware these drugs may have unpleasant side effects. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about side effects of any particular drug before beginning the treatment, so you can decide if the medication is in your best interests.
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