If you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer, have you ever felt like your weight suddenly changed? Some people gain a little weight, while others lose weight. This is actually a common occurrence for many people, so don't worry or be afraid. This is not unique to you. So, today we will talk in detail about why this happens and what we can do about it.
What are the causes of weight gain?
There are actually several reasons for this. Let's look at each one.
Chemotherapy and hormonal changes
The main reason is chemotherapy . Because of this treatment, sometimes your menopause, which means the cessation of monthly menstruation, can occur a little earlier than expected. Then the body's metabolism, or simply ``metabolism' ', starts to work a little slower. This means that the speed at which we convert the food we eat into energy decreases. Then it becomes a little harder to control our body weight. Also, during this time, body fat may increase and muscle mass may decrease.
On average, most women undergoing chemotherapy gain about 2-6 kilos in weight within a year. Some may gain 11 kilos or more.
Use of corticosteroids
Another reason is a type of medication called corticosteroids. Doctors prescribe these to help you deal with nausea, swelling, or allergies caused by chemotherapy. These medications can greatly increase your appetite.
These are hormones that increase the amount of fatty tissue in the body, reduce muscle mass in the arms and legs, and cause fat to accumulate, especially in the stomach area. This can lead to a fuller appearance in areas such as the face and neck. When muscle mass decreases and body weight increases, this becomes more noticeable.
Decreased exercise and cravings for food
The fatigue, nausea, pain, and stress of cancer treatment can make you less likely to exercise or walk as much as you used to. This lack of physical activity is also a major cause of weight gain.
Also, some women experience cravings for sweets, flour, and foods high in carbohydrates during chemo treatment. Eating these foods without control can lead to weight gain.
Do other cancer medications also cause weight gain?
Yes, there are other treatments.
Hormone therapy is another treatment that can cause weight gain. It works by reducing the levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. This can also increase body fat, reduce muscle mass, and change the way food is converted into energy.
One thing that many people ask about is the drug Tamoxifen . Many women who take this drug feel that it makes them gain weight. However, studies have not yet definitively proven that there is a direct link between this drug and weight gain. But if you feel that way, talk to your doctor about it.
However, women who have only undergone surgery, or who have only received radiation therapy after surgery, do not usually experience weight gain.
Then why do some people lose weight?
You may experience both weight gain and weight loss. This is usually due to loss of appetite or nausea, which is a side effect of chemotherapy. When you don't feel like eating, when you can't digest what you eat, or when you vomit, you naturally start to lose weight.
| Weight change | Main factors that may affect |
|---|---|
| Weight Gain | Chemotherapy, corticosteroids, hormone therapy, lack of exercise, excessive food cravings. |
| Weight Loss | Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting (side effects of chemotherapy). |
What are the risks of weight change?
Both weight gain and weight loss can have some effects on health.
- Risks of Weight Gain: Being overweight increases the risk of developing diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes . Not only that, being overweight also increases the risk of developing other types of cancer. More importantly, research has shown that being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer recurring.
- Risks of weight loss: Losing too much weight can sap your body of energy. Also, when you're malnourished, it can be harder for your body to recover quickly after treatment and fight off infections.
What should I eat during treatment?
It is very important to think about nutrition during this time.
- Balanced Diet: Always try to eat a balanced diet. Include fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, legumes, poultry, fish, and lean red meat in your diet. Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats can reduce the risk of heart disease and the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
- Protein: It is very important to get enough protein. Protein helps rebuild and repair skin, hair, and muscles during treatment.
- Fluids: Drink plenty of water and fluids (such as soup, porridge, fruit juice) to stay hydrated and protect your kidneys and bladder while undergoing chemotherapy.
Good nutrition will help you manage the side effects of chemotherapy and give you the strength to fight infections.
How important is exercise?
Exercise is very good for your overall health.
But keep this in mind, before starting any exercise program, you should definitely talk to your doctor and get his approval.
Exercise can often reduce side effects like nausea and fatigue. It also gives the body a good boost of energy. One study found that exercising after chemotherapy can even boost the production of T cells, which fight infection.
Strength training can help rebuild muscle and increase strength. However, you should be very careful when doing upper body weight exercises. Lymphedema, a condition that can occur after breast cancer treatment, is a common condition. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice about what kind of exercise is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to gain or lose weight during breast cancer treatment. Don't worry too much about it.
- If you are concerned about your weight changes, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
- Always try to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, protein, and fluids.
- Get your doctor's approval before starting any exercise.
- Be aware of the risk of lymphedema and follow medical advice, especially when exercising with weights for the upper body.
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