When appetite drops, the goal is to eat less, but better: protein at every meal to protect muscle and stay satisfied, plenty of vegetables and fibre, good hydration, and smaller, slower meals. Whole foods come first; some people discuss supplements with their clinician to fill genuine gaps. Quality matters more as quantity falls.
It sounds counterintuitive, but eating less is exactly when nutrition becomes harder to get right — every remaining mouthful has to work harder. This is general education, not personalised advice; anything you’re unsure about should go to the clinician overseeing your care.
As appetite and total intake fall, it’s easy to come up short on protein, fibre and micronutrients — which can show up as low energy, lost muscle or just feeling rundown. The aim isn’t to pile on supplements; it’s to make sure a smaller amount of food still covers your needs, and to build eating habits you can keep after the medication.
A simple template that travels well: half the plate vegetables, a quarter protein, a quarter slower carbohydrates — scaled to whatever feels comfortable. A guide, not a rule.
An illustration of the principles, not a prescribed plan: a protein-led breakfast (eggs, Greek yoghurt with fruit, or protein porridge); a lunch built around a protein source with plenty of vegetables; a protein-containing snack if appetite allows; and a dinner that again puts protein and vegetables first with a modest portion of slower carbohydrate — water through the day. The same pattern carries straight into maintenance once you’ve come off.
Some people discuss protein supplements, a general multivitamin, vitamin D (widely relevant in the UK, especially in winter) or hydration support with their clinician. The principles: food first, supplements fill genuine gaps rather than replace meals, more is not better, and you should agree anything with the clinician overseeing your care.
Protein-first habits, sensible portions and the right questions about supplements — so good nutrition becomes a habit that lasts.
See the programme →The real prize isn’t how you eat on the medication — it’s the pattern you’ll keep after it. Use the supported months to make protein-first, vegetable-rich, sensibly-portioned eating automatic, so it’s not something you have to think about when the appetite effect fades.
Note: General educational information only, not medical advice, and not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dietitian. Any clinical or medication decision is made by an independent, licensed clinic.
Related reading: Protecting muscle · Muscle & strength (guide) · Keeping weight off (guide)
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