Is weight gain a common side effect of Liver Cancer treatment?

Weight change during cancer care is not uncommon, and some people may gain weight while others lose weight. ^[1] Weight gain in the setting of liver cancer care can come from two broad sources: true fat/muscle gain from lifestyle changes, or fluid buildup related to the disease or its treatments. ^{[2] [3]}

How weight can increase during treatment

• Lifestyle and symptom changes: Fatigue can lower activity, and eating more carbohydrates or sugary drinks to cope with nausea can increase calories. ^[1] Choosing higher-calorie foods and larger portions may also add weight. ^[4]
• Medication-related: Some anticancer regimens use corticosteroids (steroids) to prevent nausea or allergic reactions, which can cause increased appetite and water retention. ^{[5] [6]}
• Disease-related fluid retention: Liver cancer and liver dysfunction can lead to ascites (fluid in the abdomen), which increases body weight and waist size without adding body fat. ^[2]

Red flags: weight gain due to fluid

Rapid weight gain, a quickly enlarging belly, swelling in the legs, or shortness of breath can suggest fluid retention rather than calorie-related gain. ^[2] Ascites can make the abdomen look distended and may need medical evaluation and targeted treatment. ^[2] If you notice these signs, it’s important to speak with your care team promptly to identify the cause and treat it appropriately. ^[3]

Is weight gain “common”?

Across cancer care, both weight gain and weight loss are reported, and patterns vary by individual, treatment type, and stage. ^[1] In liver cancer specifically, unintended weight loss is a classic symptom, but fluid-related abdominal enlargement can make weight appear to increase. ^[2] Because of this mix, monitoring weight together with waist circumference and symptoms is helpful to understand the true cause. ^{[2] [3]}

How to manage weight safely

Track and assess

• Record weekly weight and waist measurements to distinguish calorie-related gain from fluid changes. ^[3]
• Note associated symptoms (fatigue, swelling, early satiety, shortness of breath) and share them with your team. ^[3]

Nutrition strategies

• Aim for a balanced plate with vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and limit extra sugars and refined carbs to avoid excess calories. ^[4]
• Control portion sizes and avoid frequent high-sugar beverages (juices, sodas), which can drive weight gain. ^[4]
• Work with an oncology dietitian to personalize your plan around taste changes and treatment side effects. ^[3]

Activity and exercise

• Incorporate regular, moderate activity as tolerated to help maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass. ^[4]
• Gradual, consistent movement supports metabolism and overall well-being during and after treatment. ^[7]

Medication review

• Ask whether steroids or other drugs in your regimen could be contributing to appetite increase or fluid retention, and whether dosing or supportive measures can be adjusted. ^{[5] [6]}

When to seek medical care

• Rapid abdominal growth, sudden weight increase over days, leg swelling, or breathing difficulty should prompt evaluation for ascites or other complications. ^[2]
• Persistent nausea, severe fatigue, or taste changes affecting intake deserve attention and tailored support. ^[3]

Long‑term health and survivorship

Maintaining or returning to a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise is part of liver cancer risk reduction and overall health. ^[7] Survivorship programs often include nutrition services to help manage taste changes, weight, and body composition after treatment. ^[3]

Bottom line

Weight gain can happen during liver cancer care, often due to reduced activity and dietary shifts, or from fluid buildup related to liver disease and treatment. ^{[1] [2]} Managing weight safely focuses on identifying the cause, adjusting diet and activity, reviewing medications, and seeking timely care for signs of fluid retention. ^{[4] [3] [2]}