Weight Changes
Weight Changes
Your body requires more energy and protein due to your cancer. Cancer cells use up energy and protein as do non-cancerous cells, even when you are less active or at rest.
Weight changes such as a weight loss or weight gain are the result of an energy imbalance.
If you would like to know what your body mass index (BMI) is, you can find out by clicking this link BMI calculator
It is important to note that if you are overweight at the point of diagnosis we do not recommend you lose any weight.
Your treatment or tumour may cause side effects which can lead to weight changes. Symptoms and side effects may cause you to eat more or less than you normally would and may affect how much exercise or movement you are able to do.
Weight Loss
If you have experienced weight loss, you might notice your clothes, dentures or jewellery are looser.
You may need to think more about what you are eating and drinking to help provide your body with the energy and protein that it needs to: function, fight infection, improve tolerance to treatment, maintain strength, aid mobility and prevent further weight loss.
For more information on how to improve the energy and protein content of your food and drinks please click on the link:
Fortifying your food and drinks
Weight Gain
Some people experience unplanned weight gain as a result of the treatment they receive; this can be caused by medications such as steroids and hormone therapies. In the short term, for example during your treatment, weight gain is not a concern, however, in the longer term it can have a negative impact on your health.
During your treatment there are lots of things for you to deal with, so try not to be too disheartened if you notice unplanned weight gain. Most people need time to recover after treatment. Following your treatment you may find that you are ready to make some dietary and lifestyle changes that will help you lose any unwanted weight you have gained.
For more information on unplanned weight gain click on the following link: