Lack of Appetite with Pulmonary Fibrosis

Have you tried Fairlife power core protein drinks? I love the chocolate and I use vanilla to make a morning mushroom drink. They have strawberry too. They are delicious! I get the 42 grams of protein and they also have 26 grams. If he is on Ofev or Esbriet, he needs alot of protein.

@grrranny Just remember that with his decreased activity, his appetite and calorie needs are less. And what formerly looked good might now look overwhelming to him. Tiny amounts offered frequently can be a solution.

If he has a sweet tooth and is not battling blood sugar issues, pudding cups and ice cream cups - both available in individual serving sizes around 4 ounces - might be something he can handle easily. These provide calcium and protein, not as much as a shake - but in familiar foods and several flavors.

Are you able to get him to drink enough to stay hydrated?

I used to have Boost protein drinks or Glucerna protein drinks to get my calorie intake up. It might help and they go down pretty easy especially when cold.

Thanks, Sue; he luckily has no problems with blood sugar like I do, and does like an occasional 1/2 pint of vanilla ice cream. I always have to remind him to drink water, as he tends to stick with Caffeine-free Diet Coke.

Thanks, @chickytina; he's been drinking Ensure Max Protein chocolate or vanilla with breakfast every morning, and it lasts him through dinner. Now drinking it refrigerated.

Thanks, @annchristiansen2623; he's currently drinking Ensure Max Protein -- only likes chocolate and vanilla, but I'll check out the Fairlife.
Yes, he's on Esbriet. What is the story on that regarding protein?

Fairlife tastes so much better. I was told you need extra protein to avoid diarrhea and stomach problems with Esbriet.

My doctor had me drinking 5 a day plus whatever meals I could choke down. When I was on oxygen, my throat was usually dry and the cold ensure drinks made it feel better. Also great when I had doctor appointments, because I could throw in a bag and go. I found that often I could get them on sale at Amazon.

The illness, his age and lack of activity can all contribute to the loss of appetite.
It may also be that some of the drugs he is taking are making a mess of his taste buds. They certainly did in my case.
There is also a real possibility that he is dealing with a low-grade (or not so low) depression so he is getting no enjoyment out of eating. Or of the way his life is going right now.
I absolutely agree that high protein drinks like Boost are beneficial.
Good luck with it. My thoughts are with you both.