Is appetite loss a common side effect of ovarian cancer treatment?

Yes loss of appetite (also called anorexia) is a common side effect during ovarian cancer treatment, including targeted therapies like PARP inhibitors, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation. Many programs advise that you may not feel like eating and recommend small, frequent, high‑calorie, high‑protein meals to maintain weight and strength. ^[1] Appetite can also be affected by nausea, taste changes, fatigue, treatment schedules, and emotional stress, so a multi‑pronged approach usually helps. ^[2]

Why appetite loss happens

• Treatment effects: Chemotherapy and targeted therapies can change taste and smell, slow stomach emptying, and cause early fullness. ^[2]
• Nausea/diarrhea: GI side effects reduce desire to eat and can worsen dehydration, which further suppresses appetite. ^[1]
• Fatigue and mood: Tiredness makes meal prep harder and lowers interest in food; structured eating can help compensate. ^[3]

First‑line nutrition strategies you can try today

• Eat small, frequent meals and snacks rather than three large meals; this helps if you feel full quickly. ^[3]
• Follow a schedule for meals/snacks when hunger cues are weak, and eat more at the time of day you feel best (often mornings). ^{[3] [4]}
• Choose calorie‑ and protein‑dense foods (e.g., nut butters, cheese, eggs, yogurt, milk, chicken, beans) to get “more nutrition in smaller volumes.” ^{[5] [6]}
• Limit fluids during meals so drinks don’t fill you up; sip most liquids 30 minutes before or after eating. ^[7]
• Keep easy, high‑calorie snacks handy: cheese with crackers, peanut butter with crackers, nuts, dried fruit, muffins, cottage cheese, chocolate milk, ice cream. ^[5]
• Use ready‑to‑drink nutrition shakes or instant breakfast mixes if eating is hard; many people find drinking calories easier than chewing. ^[8]
• Make smoothies with yogurt, milk, or ice cream plus fruits/vegetables for a concentrated calorie‑protein boost. ^[8]
• Reduce strong cooking smells if odors worsen nausea; try cold foods, sandwiches, or room‑temperature meals. ^[9]
• Create a pleasant eating environment soft music, nice place settings to gently stimulate appetite. ^[10]
• Light activity as approved by your care team can help stimulate appetite and improve energy. ^[8]

Managing related symptoms

• Nausea and taste changes: Adjust textures and temperatures, avoid triggering smells, and ask your team about anti‑nausea strategies if needed. ^[9]
• Diarrhea: If you have 4 or more loose stools per day with dizziness or light‑headedness, contact your team or go to urgent care; dehydration can be serious. ^[1]

When to involve a dietitian

If you are losing weight, struggling to meet calorie/protein goals, or meals feel overwhelming, ask for a referral to a clinical dietitian for medical nutrition therapy and a tailored plan. ^[11] Dietitians can suggest specific products, portion targets, and meal plans that fit your symptoms and schedule. ^[11]

Safety checks and red flags

• Rapid weight loss, inability to keep foods or fluids down, or signs of dehydration (very dark urine, dizziness) warrant prompt medical attention. ^[1]
• If appetite loss persists despite the strategies above, your team can reassess causes and consider additional supportive care. ^[2]

Practical meal ideas

• Breakfast focus: Greek yogurt with honey and granola; peanut butter toast with banana; eggs with cheese. Eat more in the morning if that’s your best time. ^[4]
• Snack box: Cheese cubes, nuts, trail mix, crackers with peanut butter, chocolate milk, canned fruit in syrup for easy calories any time. ^[5]
• No‑cook options: Cottage cheese with fruit, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches, pasta salads cool foods often have milder smells. ^[9]
• Sippable calories: Ready‑to‑drink shakes or homemade smoothies between meals to add 300–600+ calories with minimal effort. ^[8]

Summary

• Appetite loss is common during ovarian cancer treatment, but small, frequent, high‑calorie/high‑protein meals, scheduled eating, limiting fluids at meals, and using shakes/smoothies can meaningfully help. ^{[3] [7] [8]}
• Keep portable, energy‑dense snacks on hand, reduce strong food smells, and lean on simple, cold options if odors trigger nausea. ^{[5] [9]}
• Ask for a dietitian referral if weight loss occurs or eating remains difficult; individualized nutrition therapy is an important part of cancer care. ^[11]
• Seek urgent help for uncontrolled diarrhea with dizziness or if you cannot maintain fluids. ^[1]