Summary: The systematic increase in cancer cases carries serious consequences and challenges for the health care system, including primary care physicians. The majority of all cancer patients (up to 80% of them) suffer from cachexia. The development of the disease and the treatment itself lead to metabolic changes, loss of appetite and loss of body weight, which directly cause a deterioration in the quality of life of patients and worsen the results of treatment. Management is multimodal and includes non-pharmacological interventions, treatment of secondary gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional support (treatment) and anti-cachectic drugs. Appetite stimulants, such as megestrol acetate and glucocorticoids, have been shown to increase appetite and weight. Due to the many side effects, glucocorticoids are recommended for short-term use. Megestrol acetate (e.g. Megace®) is indicated for long-term therapy.