The problem of poor appetite (anorexia) is responsible for inadequate nutrition and causes weight loss, possibly causing a reduced life expectancy. Anorexia is actually an eating disorder in which people restrict their food intake due to a distorted insight regarding their body weight and an intense fear of gaining weight. It leads to an unusually low body weight. People with a poor appetite eat small portion sizes, food with less dietary fiber and protein, less vegetables and fruits, and less whole grains, as compared to people with a normal appetite.  It has been observed that individuals with anorexia have tendencies towards perfectionism. They have high expectations for their bodies and generally suffer from low self-esteem. They are influenced by certain social factors such as identity conflicts, acquiring self-sufficiency, peer pressure, and obsession with skinniness and beauty. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7003934/)

The major treatment of this condition is to improve the dietary intake of the affected person via therapies and also by developing food that is particularly customized to each person’s preference. Behavioral therapies help get anorexic patients out of their desire to be in perfect shape and to worry less about judgments. (https://f1000research.com/articles/8-504/v1)

Marijuana can also offer benefits to those suffering from eating disorders.  In fact, it is now considered as an emerging treatment option for anorexia. Marijuana works to stimulate the body metabolism, which in turn boosts appetite, and is therefore known as an appetite stimulant. (https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.13892)

A trial on synthetic cannabinoid (marijuana) showed a significant gain in weight of anorexic female participants in the absence of any unfavorable side effects.

(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eat.22173)

Undoubtedly, the best way to treat the problem of poor appetite (anorexia) is through the correction of the actual causes, proper food intake, and nutrition education. However, it might be beneficial to try medical marijuana for this condition.