Weight Loss and Cancer

Weight loss is when you lose weight. Weight loss happens when your body is using more energy than it is taking in. In some cases, it is on purpose. Weight loss can happen when you have cancer for many reasons. Some of these reasons you can control, and some you can not. Cachexia is a syndrome where you lose more than 10% of your body weight, and is a serious health condition.

How does cancer cause weight loss?

There are many ways that cancer can cause weight loss. Weight loss can be caused by cancer itself, treatments and their side effects, and changes to your lifestyle.

Cancer itself can change your metabolism, or the way your body processes energy and nutrients. Your body may start to use more calories at rest than it did before. You may have a tumor that is blocking a part of your body that absorbs nutrients, which can cause weight loss. Your body may also be reacting to the release of more cytokines from your immune system that can lessen your appetite, cause your muscles to break down, and change how your body uses energy and hormones.

Treatments for cancer can cause side effects that affect your weight and how much you are eating or absorbing nutrients. Some side effects you might have are:

• A change in your sense of taste or smell.
• Sore mouth or throat.
• Feeling full quicker than usual.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Fatigue.

Talk to your provider about ways to manage these side effects.

Changes to your lifestyle can also be a reason why you are losing weight. You are dealing with a life-changing diagnosis that requires you to spend time at appointments and treatment. You may not have the time or energy to make meals the way you used to. You may also be dealing with feeling sad or anxious, which can also affect your lifestyle.

How can weight loss during cancer affect me?

Weight loss can change how you feel about yourself. It can also lead to people asking you questions that you may not want to answer. Weight loss can impact your body’s ability to tolerate and respond to treatment and can slow your recovery. If you are experiencing weight loss, talk to your provider about your treatment options and about seeing a registered dietitian.

How can I manage weight loss?

Managing weight loss when you have cancer can depend on what is causing the weight loss. Your provider may be able to help you manage side effects which can help you manage your weight. You can meet with a registered dietitian to learn about changes in your diet that can be helpful. Cancer treatment can increase your body’s needs for calories and protein, so it is important that you get enough.

Based on the side effects you are having, your provider might recommend certain tips for maintaining your nutrition:

• Try to eat small meals or snacks about every two hours. It can help to set a reminder when it is time to eat.
• Eat foods that are high in protein, high in calories, and that taste or smell good to you. These can be things like hard-cooked eggs, peanut butter, cheese, ice cream, granola bars, nutritional supplements, puddings, nuts, trail mix, and yogurt.
• Liquid nutrition products such as Ensure® or Boost® can help you gain weight.
• Do something you enjoy while eating, like play music or watch television.
• If you are having a change in your sense of taste or smell, it can help to rinse your mouth with tea, ginger ale, salted water, or water with baking soda before eating to help clear your taste buds.

When should I call my provider?

If you are losing weight during cancer treatment, talk to your provider. It can be helpful to keep track of your weight, appetite, nutrition, and energy level and share this information with your provider.