Even in cases when an infection or drug effect cannot be identified as causing diarrhea, other approaches may be worthwhile. Appetite loss may also contribute to wasting. Appetite stimulants are an option to help increase the desire to eat. It can alter sex characteristics in men, leading to enlarged breasts, impotence, etc. Weight gain associated with both marinol and megace is due primarily to fat rather than lean body mass.
Many experts consider lean body mass to be more important than fat for weight gain.
Additionally, some studies suggest that both marinol and megace decrease testosterone levels. Lack of nutrients can tax the body and further aggrevate the problem. Vitamin supplements or weight gain products which promote the building of protein are an easy way to simply increase the amount of nutrients available for absorption. An appropriate product should be high in protein and low in fat to help increase lean body mass. An option for those with hormone imbalances is to supplement or replace those hormones.