Wednesday 25 September 2024
Maggie's
You may be worried about weight you've lost or gained since being diagnosed with cancer.
The information on this page will help you to find out more about weight changes, and suggest ways to manage it, during and after cancer treatment.
Weight changes are common in cancer and its treatment. Generally, weight loss is more anticipated than weight gain. The change itself can feel a reminder of what you’re going through. You may also find your shape changes, with loss of muscle bulk, or waistline increasing.
Some weight fluctuations are natural and shouldn’t cause concern. As you go through treatment, there may be temporary changes, which sort themselves out once treatment is finished. However, if you’re losing or gaining a lot of weight then it can feel a worry, and should be discussed with your health care team.
Some people lose weight when they have cancer. It may have been the symptom that took you to the doctor in the first place. Practical issues with loss of appetite, chewing difficulties, dehydration and low mood/anxiety can add to this. In more advanced cancer, most people lose weight and muscle mass. This can be worrying for the person with cancer and their family.
In more advanced cancer, weight loss is common, and people may feel tired and weak. Causes for the weight loss can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, difficulty eating, pain, low mood or anxiety.
Weight gain is also common and may be unexpected. However, it can happen before, during and after cancer treatment. Some tumours can cause an increase in weight, perhaps because of their size, and fluid retention or constipation. For other people, it is the treatment which can trigger weight gain.
During and after treatment you may be exercising less, and several treatments cause fluid retention and weight gain. Some treatments including chemotherapy, steroids, and other medications can increase weight.
Some medicines make you feel hungry, and your metabolism may slow down. Hormonal therapy, aimed at lowering your hormone levels, may increase fat, lower muscle tone, and change your shape.
Weight changes can be demoralising, and affect how you feel about yourself. It can be a visual reminder of what you’re going through, and an issue you feel sensitive about. Psychologically, you may cope by comfort eating, as an emotional reaction to what is happening. It’s important not to lose sight that you’re still ‘you’.
There are a number of things you can do to help to manage weight changes.
If weight loss or weight gain is a new symptom, then do talk to your doctor about your concerns.
Weight problems can have an emotional as well as physical impact. If you find your mood is affected, or you feel anxious or depressed about the physical changes, then do ask for further help. Your GP and medical team can refer you for a dietician referral, and counselling support.&²Ô²ú²õ±è;²Ñ²¹²µ²µ¾±±ð’s can offer support and a listening ear too.
If your limbs are becoming swollen and your mobility more restricted, as well as weight gain, fluid retention could be the problem. Do get this symptom checked out quickly, as you may need additional symptom management and support.
Have a look at our blogs and links on this page to find out more about coping with weight changes. There are a range of nutritional blogs, in particular, which you may find helpful.
Talk with others about what you are experiencing. It can help to hear that what you’re feeling is not unusual, and help you feel less alone.
Call into your local Maggie’s centre to talk to our professional teams and connect with others in a similar position to yourself.
Last review: Jan 2022 | Next review: Jan 2023
Tips for recognising and managing weight changes if you have cancer or are caring for someone with cancer.
From American Cancer Society
Last reviewed: 11 January 2022
Find out more about why some people gain weight during treatment and tips for how to lose it after treatment has finished.
From Breast Cancer Now
Last reviewed: 11 January 2022
Top tips for losing weight to support your health.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 06 January 2022
Information about weight changes when you have cancer.
From Cancer Research Uk (Cruk)
Last reviewed: 11 January 2022
From Cancer.Net
Last reviewed: 27 September 2023
Causes and management of weight gain when you have cancer.
From Cancer.Net
Last reviewed: 06 January 2022
Overview of weight loss when you have cancer.
From Cancer.Net
Last reviewed: 06 January 2022
Some cancer treatments, side effects or even lifestyle changes can cause you to gain or lose weight.
From Macmillan Cancer Support
Last reviewed: 11 January 2022
Find out more about how to lose weight safely with the NHS weight loss plan.
From Nhs
Last reviewed: 11 January 2022
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