It helps to know the right ways to approach this.

Pushing them to eat only adds to the frustration theyre already dealing with.

Isolating someone who isnt hungry can cause depression and loneliness.Toencourage eating, make mealtimes an opportunity to socialize.

Patient with a food tray in hospital ward

Eric Audras / Getty Images

Doing so may enhance their appetite.

Always set realistic goals and celebrate every small achievement.

Offer Favorite Foods

People are more likely to eat if provided the foods they love.

This is especially helpful if your loved one has impaired vision.

Snacking takes off the pressure.

Treat Constipation and Nausea

Constipationcan create a sense of fullness even if someone is nutritionally deprived.

Hard candy, popsicles, and ice chips can also help produce saliva and keep the mouth moist.

In the United States, a growing number of states are legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes.

This drug may not only stimulate the appetite but also improve a sick persons mood.

Consider Natural Remedies

Several naturopathic remedies may also help stimulate the appetite.

Ni J, Zhang L.Cancer cachexia: definition, staging, and emerging treatments.Cancer Manag Res.

2017;12(8):e0182145.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0182145

American Cancer Society.Loss of appetite.

UCSF Health.Patient education: constipation.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Bland or BRAT dietwhat it is.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Ginger.

University of Pennsylvania: OncoLink.Mucositis (mouth sores) & oral care tip sheet.

Childs DS, Jatoi A.A hunger for hunger: a review of palliative therapies for cancer-associated anorexia.Ann Palliat Med.

2019;15(4):e338-e345.

doi:10.1200/JOP.18.00562

International Pain Foundation.5 Natural herbs that could stimulate the appetite.