Some children stop asking for food once treatment starts. Or say their favourite meals taste different now. Some feel full after just two or three bites. When the scale keeps going down, it's hard not to worry as a parent. This happens for a lot of reasons. Chemo and radiation cause nausea, vomiting, mouth sores, and changes in taste. Hospital stays break normal eating habits. And the body needs extra energy to heal, which makes things even harder.
A 2024 study in Frontiers in Oncology found that kids in cancer treatment often lose muscle while body fat goes up. This affects how they grow, how they recover, and even how some medicines work in their body. That's why eating well during treatment really matters.
Make every bite count
When a child isn't hungry, a big plate of food usually doesn't help. Small amounts of the right foods work better.
Good foods to try:
Eggs
Paneer
Full-fat milk and curd
Cheese
Lentils and dals
Peanut butter
Bananas
Nuts and seeds
Adding ghee, butter, or coconut milk to dal, rice, or khichdi is an easy way to increase calories without making the portion larger.
Don't stick to fixed meal times
Kids in treatment don't always feel hungry at the same time every day. Waiting for set meal times often means meals get skipped. Try offering something small every two to three hours instead. A boiled egg, a banana, a small bowl of curd, or a smoothie. Small things that are easy to finish.
Protein is just as important as calories
Protein helps the body repair itself during treatment. It also keeps muscles strong and supports normal growth. Try to include some protein every time your child eats, even in small amounts. Milk, curd, paneer, eggs, dal, chicken, or fish all work well, depending on what your child likes and what their doctor says is okay.
When eating feels too hard
Some days are really tough. Mouth sores, bad nausea, or tiredness can make eating feel impossible. On those days, a doctor or dietitian might suggest a nutritional supplement drink to help your child get enough calories and protein. Only use these with advice from your medical team so it fits your child's needs.
Talk to your care team early
Weight loss during treatment isn't something that just has to happen. If your child is eating very little, refusing food for days, or losing weight, tell your doctor or nurse. A paediatric oncology dietitian can help determine which changes will actually work for your child. Getting help early keeps kids stronger during treatment and helps them recover better afterward.