The present invention provides a means for prevention and treatment of cachexia and other chronic illnesses including but not limited to the promotion of weight gain, reduction or prevention of weight loss by administration of a substance that both reduces the sensitivity of beta-adrenergic receptors and of 5-HT1a receptors. (S)-pindolol, (S)-propranolol, tertatolol or bopindolol are preferred for this purpose.
