Dealing with weight changes

This information has been reviewed by:
Dr Michael Jefford, Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Vivian Kong, Accredited Practising Dietitian, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute
Brooke Chapman, Dietitian, APD, Austin Health

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Weight loss

A nourishing diet

Nutritional supplements

Weight gain

You may find that you have difficulty keeping your normal weight during treatment. Many people lose weight, while others gain weight. You should try to stay the weight you were before you were diagnosed with cancer and/or began treatment, but this is not always possible.

Weight loss

Cancer treatment and the disease itself may cause you to lose weight. Weight loss often occurs from muscle rather than fat stores and needs to be controlled if possible. Keeping your normal weight helps you to cope with treatment better and recover more quickly. A nourishing diet will help you to maintain weight or gain any lost weight.

A nourishing diet

Eat nourishing foods that are high in energy and protein during this time. It is important to eat regularly and eat well. Try adding extra energy to the foods and drinks that you normally have. Here's how.

• Add extra margarine, butter or oil to bread, toast, muffins, vegetables, pasta sauces, soup, rice, savoury sauces (e.g. white sauce or gravy), salad, meat, chicken, fish, eggs or dry biscuits.
• Add extra honey, sugar or jam to breakfast cereal, bread, toast, muffins, fruit (e.g. stewed or tinned), milkshakes, yoghurt, custard or puddings (if you are not diabetic).
• Add extra cream to breakfast cereals, pasta sauces, vegetables, fruit, soup, savoury sauces, eggs, milkshakes, yoghurt, custard or puddings.
• Add extra cheese to pasta, vegetables, salad, soup, meat, savoury sauces or eggs.
• Drink nourishing fluids such as milk drinks and juices rather than tea or coffee.
• Use fortified milk. Sprinkle 2⁄3 cup skim milk powder onto two cups of milk and mix until dissolved. Store it in the refrigerator and use it wherever you normally use milk. Fortified milk provides extra energy and protein.
• Use the high-energy drink recipes on this site and have a small glass full every half an hour during the day.

Nutritional supplements

If you are struggling to maintain weight or are having a mainly liquid diet, nutritional supplements can be of great benefit. They are an excellent source of energy, protein, vitamins and minerals. They are meant to supplement a normal diet.

These drinks are available in powder or liquid forms. Making your own drinks from the powder forms of these products is generally cheaper. They can also be added to other foods, used in baking or sprinkled on breakfast cereals for extra nutrition. A dietitian can advise the best product for you.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a problem for some people having treatment for cancer. This may be because of decreased activity, increased food intake (especially increased fat intake), hormonal changes or medications such as steroids.

Try to maintain your normal weight during treatment. You should not try to lose weight during this time because your body is under stress and you need a nutritious diet to help your body cope well with treatment. If you want to lose weight, the best time is after you have finished treatment and recovered from any side effects.

If you are overweight or a healthy weight and are concerned about weight gain:

• have less fat, especially animal fats
• have more fibre, including wholegrain breads and cereals and legumes
• eat more fruit, vegetables and legumes
• avoid alcohol
• exercise regularly.

For advice on weight loss after you've finished your treatment, talk to a dietitian.

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