This article discusses weight gain during cancer treatment, emphasizing that various factors, including treatment side effects and hormonal changes, can contribute. Experts stress the importance of a balanced diet and regular physical activity in managing weight to enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce recurrence risks. Patients are encouraged to seek dietary guidance and support from healthcare professionals to optimize their nutrition without restrictive dieting, ensuring sufficient protein intake and promoting overall health during treatment.
Some individuals may experience weight gain during treatment, typically around three kilograms; however, there are instances where this increase can be more considerable, states Dr. Jean-Baptiste Méric, medical director and oncologist at Bligny Hospital.
Various factors contribute to this weight gain, including side effects of the treatment, alterations in daily routines, and hormonal changes that accompany aging, such as menopause in women. As the oncologist notes, ‘the impact varies depending on the specific cancer type and the treatments being used‘.
In a discussion with Santé Magazine, Dr. Jean-Michel Lecerf, an expert in endocrinology and metabolic disorders, emphasizes that for breast cancer patients, ‘chemotherapy or hormone therapy can elevate fat tissue while decreasing muscle mass, which can lead to weight gain. Similar effects can be observed with certain hormone therapies for prostate cancer‘.
Maintaining a Balanced Diet and Staying Active
Gaining weight during cancer treatment is not an unavoidable outcome. With careful dietary management, this can often be prevented or minimized. Dietitian-nutritionist Isabelle Aubry from Bligny Hospital advises patients that ‘this is not the time to impose restrictions or initiate a diet, as that can result in nutritional deficiencies‘. She continues, ‘A focus on balanced nutrition is key, emphasizing well-structured meals without snacking. It’s beneficial to enhance protein intake without eliminating any foods. A balanced diet allows for a variety of foods, consumed in an appropriate manner‘. If a patient struggles with appetite, she suggests breaking meals into smaller portions to ensure nutritional adequacy and reinforcing protein intake to prevent excessive weight loss.
In addition to dietary monitoring, engaging in physical activity is crucial. A well-rounded, balanced diet should be complemented by regular exercise, adjusted to the patient’s health condition.
The Effect of Weight on Treatment Outcomes
Managing weight during treatment is critical because both weight loss and gain can compromise treatment effectiveness and heighten the risk of recurrence. According to the oncologist, ‘losing weight or being undernourished during treatment can exacerbate side effects and prevent continuation of therapy, leading to a decline in treatment efficacy‘. He also notes, ‘While weight gain may not directly influence treatment, it can be a risk factor for reduced disease control over time, increasing the likelihood of recurrence or additional cancers‘.
Throughout the treatment process, oncologists will connect patients with dietitians at the healthcare facility. Dietary assessments and ongoing support for those undergoing treatment are components recognized by the French National Cancer Institute as essential care. Dr. Jean-Baptiste Méric clarifies, “As part of the treatment and overall post-cancer care plan, financial support is available to ensure patients can consult with dietitians or specialized physical activity instructors“. Leveraging the expertise of healthcare professionals significantly boosts the chances of successful outcomes and enhances overall health in the long run.