Is weight gain a common side effect of cancer treatment?

Yes, weight gain can happen during or after cancer treatment, and it’s relatively common in certain therapies such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy. ^[1] Some people gain weight because treatment side effects (like fatigue and nausea) reduce activity and change eating patterns, while others lose weight depending on their specific treatment and symptoms. ^[1] Weight gain is also linked to factors like increased appetite from steroids, comfort eating, and menopause-related metabolic changes during or after treatment. ^{[2] [3]}

Why weight gain happens

• Lower activity from fatigue: Feeling unusually tired can reduce daily movement and exercise, which lowers calorie burn. ^[1]
• Eating changes to ease symptoms: Starchy foods may help with nausea, which can lead to higher carbohydrate intake; sugary drinks and overeating can add extra calories. ^{[1] [3]}
• Steroid effects: Prescribed steroids can increase appetite and contribute to weight gain. ^[2]
• Emotional eating: Stress, anxiety, or low mood can push comfort eating. ^[2]
• Menopause during/after treatment: Hormonal shifts can slow metabolism and increase the likelihood of weight gain. ^[3]

Why it matters

Keeping weight within a healthy range supports recovery, helps energy levels, and may improve long-term wellness after treatment. ^[4] If weight has already increased, losing it can be challenging, which is why preventing excess gain during treatment is helpful. ^{[5] [2]}

Practical ways to manage and prevent weight gain

• Balanced plate approach: Choose a varied diet with vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats; aim to avoid extra, low‑value calories. ^[5]
• Portion control: Serve meals on a plate, use smaller portions, and be mindful of snacking and sugary drinks. ^[5]
• Regular exercise: Include both aerobic activity and strength training to support metabolism, muscle mass, and mood. ^[5]
• Plan for nausea and fatigue: Prepare lighter, balanced meals that ease symptoms without excessive starch or sugar, and use short, frequent activity bouts when energy is low. ^{[1] [3]}
• Manage steroid-related appetite: If you’re on steroids, work with your care team to time doses and meals, and use high‑fiber, protein‑rich foods to feel fuller. ^[2]
• Emotional support: Address stress or low mood with counseling or support groups to reduce comfort eating. ^[2]
• Work with a dietitian: Set realistic weight goals and tailor strategies to your treatment plan and side effects. ^[5]

Evidence from survivorship programs

Lifestyle and behavior programs combining nutrition guidance, physical activity, and behavior change techniques can help cancer survivors manage weight and improve health factors. [PM19] Structured interventions that include exercise goals and calorie management have shown improvements in body composition and lipids among breast cancer survivors. [PM18] Theory‑based behavior change programs for survivors are generally effective in improving diet and physical activity behaviors, which supports healthy weight management. [PM21] Digital approaches like personalized text‑message support can aid weight loss in survivors with obesity. [PM22]

When to talk to your care team

• If your weight changes quickly: Sudden gain can sometimes reflect fluid shifts or medication effects that need review. ^[4]
• If fatigue or mood are barriers: Ask about symptom management and referral to a dietitian or exercise specialist to adapt your plan safely. ^[5]
• If you’re on steroids or hormone therapy: Your clinicians can help fine‑tune doses or timing and provide targeted nutrition strategies. ^{[2] [3]}

Key takeaways

• Weight gain can occur during cancer treatment due to fatigue, dietary changes, steroids, emotional eating, and menopause-related metabolic shifts. ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Prevention and management are feasible with balanced nutrition, portion control, regular exercise, symptom-aware strategies, and professional support. ^[5]
• Survivorship programs and behavior interventions offer structured help to improve weight and overall health. [PM19] [PM18] [PM21] [PM22]

궁금한 점 있으면 언제든 퍼슬리에 물어보세요