No appetite, no problem?
What to do when medication side effects impact eating
Chances are if you’ve lived in a human body long enough, you’ve experienced a lack of appetite at some point. Factors such as illness, stress, and our emotional wellbeing can blunt our body’s appetite and hunger cues. The solution is often to do what you can knowing that eventually the stressful event will pass and your hunger will return. However, what about when you’re taking a medication that has a persistent side effect of decreased appetite/hunger? How can you continue to intuitively nourish your body when the intuition piece is muddled?
Consistent eating throughout the day is the key
This might seem obvious, but your body still needs food even if the appetite/hunger isn’t present. Human bodies need energy in order to think clearly, regulate our emotions, workout, walk, take care of others, and solve problems. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to try to eat every 3-4 hours. That is generally the time it takes for our stomachs to empty. Doing this will not only help your body feel more energized, but it can also help with the constipation that can (unfortunately) be a side effect of medication as well.
Feeling nauseous or nothing sounds good? Prioritize fluids or bland foods
Sipping on a beverage (one that has some caloric content to it - ex: smoothie, juice, electrolyte drink, protein shake) is easier for a nauseous tummy to take because it’s less to digest at once and what is being digested is in a more easily absorbed package. The same goes for bland foods like rice, toast, or applesauce. The mantra “something over nothing” is your best friend during these times!
Talk to your doctor or psychiatrist if you’re continuing to struggle to eat.
Not eating enough during the day (even if it’s because of weight loss medications) can, and will, result in muscle wasting and malnutrition. And, contrary to what we see in the media, starvation/malnutrition doesn’t only pertain to emaciated bodies. Body’s can be malnourished at any size and the implications can be dire - so talk about your medication with your medical professional if it’s a struggle to eat. Often medication doses can be adjusted or alternative medications can be tried!