In Exp 1, 44 male rats drank saccharin or a control solution, followed by 100 inescapable shocks or simple restraint. Ss were weighed daily and were tested for saccharin aversion 2 days after the stress session. Shocked Ss gained less weight than restrained controls. Saccharin aversion was apparent only among Ss that had consumed saccharin before the stress session. In Exp 2, 72 Ss drank saccharin solution, followed by shock, restraint, or no treatment. Half of each group was injected with saline; the other half was injected with lithium chloride. Shock reduced body weight relative to restraint or no treatment and produced taste aversion among saline-treated Ss. However, shock attenuated the aversion produced by lithium chloride, as did restraint. Results suggest a role for stress in anorexia and weight loss associated with depression and may have implications for theories of learning and learned helplessness.