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CancerQuest > Introduction to Patient Information > Side Effects of Cancer Treatments > Changes in Weight and Eating Habits

Changes in Weight and Eating Habits

Chemotherapy and other cancer treatment medications may cause patients to gain or lose weight. In the case of breast cancer, chemotherapy may cause a loss of muscle mass and an increase in fat. For some, their traditional way of losing weight (what once worked) may not work anymore. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also cause patients to have trouble swallowing. With time many of these problems get better. Decreased appetite and/or ability to eat can lead to malnutrition and contribute to symptoms seen in cancer patients.^(1)(2)(3)

For those who have experienced a loss of appetite as a result of cancer treatment, there are a few key tips that can help increase food intake and reduce weight loss.

• staying active may increase a patient's appetite
• when recovering from treatment, it is best to begin by eating small meals
• stick to your favorite foods

Nutritional supplements can also help provide additional calories and nutrients.  It is important to remember that supplements do NOT replace eating a balanced diet.  Examples of supplements include Ensure®, BOOST® and RESOURCE®.

Also see our section on the related topic of anorexia

In severe cases, especially when the cancer being treated is located in the head/neck area, it may be necessary for patients to have a gastrostomy (G-tube) inserted to provide adequate nutrition.

Learn about gastrostomy (G-tubes or feeding tubes).

References for this page:

1. Brown JK, Byers T, Doyle C, Coumeya KS, Demark-Wahnefried W, Kushi LH, McTieman A, Rock CL, Aziz N, Bloch AS, Eldridge B, Hamilton K, Katzin C, Koonce A, Main J, Mobley C, Morra ME, Pierce MS, Sawyer KA; American Cancer Society. Nutrition and physical activity during and after cancer treatment: an American Cancer Society guide for informed choices. CA Cancer J Clin. 2003 Sep-Oct;53(5):268-91. [PUBMED]
2. van Wayenburg CA, Rasmussen-Conrad EL, van den Berg MG, Merkx MA, van Staveren WA, van Weel C, van Binsbergen JJ. Weight loss in head and neck cancer patients little noticed in general practice. J Prim Health Care. 2010 Mar;2(1):16-21. [PUBMED]
3. Ströhle A, Zänker K, Hahn A. Nutrition in oncology: the case of micronutrients. Oncol Rep. 2010 Oct;24(4):815-28. [PUBMED]