Patients receiving therapy for breast-, uterine-, ovarian-, prostate- and testicular cancer have a good chance to gain weight during chemotherapy. This is due to the decrease in oestrogen and testosterone in the body. The average weight gain is between 5pounds and 8pounds (2kg and 4kg), although some patients have experienced gains much higher than this. When diagnosed with cancer, one of your first thoughts could’ve possibly been that you’re going to end up looking gaunt and skinny. Now you have a moon face, and a protruding belly! Why?

Clinical studies have been done to find answers regarding weight gain during chemotherapy. The findings were:
1. Patients often/understandably grab at comfort foods high in calories when feeling stressed, depressed or nervous.
2. Whilst receiving chemotherapy, the patients’ energy levels get depleted – causing a complete lack in exercise and other physical activity.
3. Certain chemotherapy actually boosts food cravings.
4. Premature menopause when undergoing therapy for breast cancer may occur, causing the metabolism to slow down. Slow metabolisms make weight loss difficult. Your metabolism also orchestrates the rate in which energy is used.
5. Steroids given can cause fluid retention (Edema) – that can make your scale tip.

One very important fact is to NEVER consider dieting while receiving chemotherapy. Your body needs all the nutrients it can get!! If you experience dramatic weight gain, your oncologist can refer you to a dietician – but under no circumstances are you to start a fad diet. As your self-esteem is of importance to your recovery, your oncologist will gladly assist. Exercising during chemotherapy is advisable. If your energy levels are much depleted, you can look into taking glyconutritionals (8 simple sugars) for added energy. Having higher energy levels will help you doing mild exercise (and even simple tasks that seem like a mountain) while receiving chemotherapy. These ‘good’ sugars go directly to the body’s cells, and strengthen the cells’ communicating system – amplifying what they need.

If you experience fluid retention due to steroids, your oncologist can prescribe a diuretic. (Steroids can also cause fat deposits.) To determine whether you are suffering from fluid retention, the easiest test is to make a fist: If your fingers feel stiff, rings and watch feels tight, and your feet and ankles are swollen – chances are your suspicions are valid. Call your doctor immediately if you experience shortness of breath in conjunction with fluid retention! Weigh yourself daily to determine the seriousness – as your weight will fluctuate when fluid retention is your problem. The best self-help would be to avoid salt, wear loose clothing, never to cross your legs, and not to stand for too long. Elevating your feet will also help with symptoms.

After chemotherapy, your only true answer to loosing weight is EXCERSICE! You have to wake your metabolism and build muscle. Muscle burns fat! Exercise also fights cancer recurrence! So – start moving! A good diet after chemotherapy is: Have 6 – 8 glasses of pure water a day, lower your fat intake, avoid salt and sugar, and reduce calories. The rules never change: fruit, vegetables, fish, whole grains (low GI carbs) and lean meat is the way to go!