Inpatients: Poor appetite in hospital

Patient Information leaflets

Poor appetite in hospital

A guide to maximising your nutrition

Poor appetite

When you are ill, you may lose your appetite and find that you want to eat less food. This may put you at risk of malnutriton, which means that your body may not get all the nutrients it needs to function properly.

Improving your food intake is important for your recovery. It will help you to:

  • Fight infection
  • Heal wounds and broken bones
  • Aid mobility and breathing
  • Reduce length of hospital stay  

This page should give you some ideas to help you have a nutritious diet while you are in hospital.

From the hospital menu:

  • Choose menu options which are coded as high energy (ask the nursing staff if you need assistance with this.) 
  • Try to eat something at each meal, every day.  
  • Have a biscuit or piece of cake with a drink between meals.
  • Ask your nurse for an extra snack before bed, for example, cereal, bread and butter, or biscuits.
  • If you are struggling to manage more than one course, choose a dry food such as cheese and biscuits or a cake in addition to your meal choice, which you can keep to one side and have as a snack.
  • If you choose yoghurts and are unable to eat them at the meal, ask the nursing staff if they could store it in the ward fridge and you can have it as a snack. 
  • Choose the small portion size if the meals are too large, as large portions may put you off your food further. 
  • Don’t fill up on soups, salads, vegetables, and fruits as these are lower in calories. 
  • Add extra butter, margarine, or mayonnaise to foods such as vegetables, salad or potatoes to increase the calories. 
  • If you are feeling sick, choose plain foods like jacket potatoes and sandwiches. 
  • If you have a problem with your teeth or with chewing foods, ask for the easy to chew options from the menu. There is also a soft / puree menu available.  
  • If you feel full quickly, prioritise puddings. Choose a milk pudding, for example, sponge and custard or rice pudding at each meal. 

Focus on nutritious fluids

Tea, coffee, water, and squash all contribute to your hydration. However, they are low in nutrients. Milk-based drinks are a great source of nutrition as well as hydration.

  • Milk is available on the ward to drink. Ask for full fat milk for more calories.
  • Hot chocolate, Horlicks, Ovaltine, smoothies, and fruit juices are also nutritious options.
  • Nutritious drinks such as Meritene or Complan are available on the ward in a variety of flavours. 
  • High-sugar or energy drinks do contain a lot of calories. However, they can fill you up and lead you to miss out on a range of essential nutrients. 


Try to have snacks between meals

Relatives or friends may bring food in; however, snacks must be suitable for on the ward and SHOULD NOT need refrigeration.  Suitable snacks are: 

  • Savoury or sweet biscuits (plain and chocolate). 
  • Individual wrapped cakes, cake bars, flapjacks or mini Swiss rolls. 
  • Individual packets of crisps or corn snacks. 
  • Individual packets of dried fruits. 
  • Individually-portioned desserts that do not need refrigeration, for example, full fat rice puddings, custards, or jelly.   
  • Wrapped individual chocolate bars. 
  • Sweets.
  • Individual pots of fruit in syrup. Once opened these should be eaten immediately.
  • UHT milkshakes, which do not require refrigeration. Once opened these should be consumed immediately. 

Check with the nurse before family and friends bring in foods that need to be kept in the fridge.

If you are have any specific dietary requirements, please check with the nursing staff or dietitian on the suitability of snacks. 

Other advice to help improve your appetite and intake:

  • Try to sit in your chair at meals. This may make it easier to eat.  
  • Ensure you are in a comfortable position and propped up if you are unable to get out of bed. 
  • If you need help with eating, ask the nursing staff. 
  • Should you need specially-adapted cutlery ask the nursing staff or occupational therapist.
  • Freshen up by washing your hands or using a cleansing wipes before meals. 
  • Eat foods you like but keep trying different foods as your tastes may change when you are poorly. 
  • Enhance the flavour of your food by adding salt, pepper, or individual sachets of sauces available on the wards.  Or your visitors could bring in your favourite sauces or flavourings from home. 
  • It is important to keep your mouth clean. Brush your teeth regularly or try a mouthwash.  A mild mouth wash before meals may help with taste changes and freshen your mouth. 
  • Should you experience any problems with your swallowing, report this to the nurse or doctor looking after you. 

Remember to ask the nursing staff if you still have concerns regarding your appetite or feel that you are losing weight. They will provide further advice or refer you to a dietitian. 

Useful contact details for your dietitian:

Nutrition & Dietetic Department 

  • Royal Lancaster Infirmary: telephone 01524 519380 
  • Furness General Hospital: telephone  01229 403968
  • Queen Victoria Centre, Morecambe: telephone 01524 519551 

 

This information was produced by registered dietitians and to the best of our knowledge, was correct and up to date at the time of publication. The Nutrition & Dietetic Department cannot be held responsible for how patients/clients interpret and use this resource.  Always consult your GP/relevant health professional if you have any health problems, comments or queries. 

Date of publication: 24/01/2024
Reference code: PIL220/00013558
Review date: 01/01/2027​​​​​​​