Medication Has Reduced My Appetite – How Do I Ask for a Smaller Meal in a Restaurant?

Eating out should feel easy. But if you’re taking medication that reduces your appetite, even something simple like ordering a meal can turn into a bit of a situation. You might not feel hungry enough for a full portion, but asking for a smaller one can feel awkward—especially when staff say no or ask why. Not everyone wants to talk about their health with a waiter. And not every restaurant is willing to make adjustments without a bit of explanation.

This is something people deal with more often than you might think. Lots of medications used to treat common conditions have side effects that make people feel full quickly. From tablets prescribed for chronic pain to those used after surgery or during recovery, changes in appetite are part of daily life for many. Our Menu Request Card was created to help make those situations less difficult.

Menu Request Card for People on Appetite-Reducing Medication

Our card has a clear message printed on it that politely explains the situation without needing a conversation. It says:

“Due to the medication I am prescribed, my appetite has been significantly reduced. Please allow me to order a smaller portion or something from the children’s menu.”

That’s it. No back and forth. No need to give details. The person taking your order reads it and knows exactly what you’re asking for and why. It’s worded in a way that’s respectful, straightforward, and easy to understand.

The card is credit card-sized and made from biodegradable plastic. It fits easily into a wallet, purse, or phone case, so it’s always with you when you’re eating out. Whether you’re in a cafe, pub, hotel, or restaurant, it gives you a quiet and simple way to ask for what you need.

How Our Card Helps You Ask for a Child’s Portion Without Explaining Your Medication

There’s something about having to explain a private health issue in public that never gets easier. Maybe you’ve tried asking if you can order a smaller meal and been told no. Maybe you’ve felt embarrassed having to tell someone why you can’t eat a full portion. Our card removes that problem altogether. It gives you a way to ask without speaking, and without having to repeat yourself every time.

The wording was designed to be as clear and polite as possible. It doesn’t demand anything. It just explains the facts in a way that encourages understanding. The layout is clean, the message is easy to read, and the background design is subtle. It’s not a medical form or anything official—it’s a small, practical support for people dealing with real life.

Appetite Loss from Medication? Our Card Makes Eating Out Easier

There’s no single reason people use our Menu Request Card. Some are taking appetite-suppressing medication for health conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, or cancer. Others are recovering from surgery and adjusting to smaller meals. Some are managing long-term illnesses that affect appetite or digestion. And some are going through treatment that changes the way food tastes or feels.

What they all have in common is that they often don’t feel well enough—or confident enough—to explain it every time they order a meal. Carrying our card means you don’t have to. It gives you the option to let the message do the talking.

The support this offers isn’t just about getting the meal you want. It’s about reducing that awkward moment before you even sit down. It’s about having the freedom to choose a portion size that suits your appetite without worrying how it looks. You’re not having to justify yourself or worry about being turned away. You’re asking for a small favour in a polite, written way, and most places will be happy to help.

Order a Menu Request Card from The Card Project UK and Make Dining Simple Again

You shouldn’t need to explain your medication just to enjoy a meal out. Our Menu Request Card is here to take that pressure off. It’s discreet, easy to carry, and gives you a clear way to communicate your needs without saying a word. Whether you use it every week or just on the days you need it, it’s there to help make things easier.

Our card is made in the UK by us here at The Card Project UK using biodegradable plastic and a design that keeps things simple. It’s printed with care and checked before it’s sent out, so it’s ready to use the moment it arrives.

If your appetite has changed due to medication and you’ve ever felt uncomfortable asking for a smaller portion, our card could make all the difference. It’s not about asking for special treatment—it’s about getting through the meal with a bit less effort and a bit more ease.

Order your Menu Request Card today from The Card Project UK and take the awkwardness out of eating out.