It is common to have weight changes after cancer treatment. You are not alone. Many people gain weight. Some people lose weight. Both can feel hard. Here, we will help you understand why weight changes happen. We will also give simple tips you can try. We will explain how Urbane Health Care can help you feel better.
Why Weight Changes Happen
Cancer and its treatment can change your body. Here are some simple reasons:
- Medicines and Treatments. Chemotherapy, steroids and some hormone medicines can make you gain or lose weight.
- Changes in Appetite. You might not feel hungry. Or you might want to eat more. Taste and smell can change.
- Less Activity. You may feel tired. When you move less, your body burns fewer calories.
- Hormone Changes. Treatment can change hormones like thyroid or sex hormones. This can affect weight.
- Stress and Sleep. Worry and poor sleep change how your body stores fat.
- Metabolism Changes. Some treatments can slow down how your body uses fuel.
What To Watch For
Monitor your weight and feelings. Report to your care team about:
- Rapid loss or gain in weight within a limited period of time.
- You feel very weak or dizzy.
- Your arms, legs or belly are swollen.
- You cannot keep food down.
- You are so fatigued after sleeping.
These may be indicators that need additional assistance.
Simple Ways to Manage Weight
Here are small steps you can try. They are easy to do and gentle on your body.
Eat Small, Often
- Eat small meals every few hours. This can help if you have a low appetite. Try soft foods if your mouth feels sore. Add snacks with protein like yogurt, eggs, or nut butter.
Add Protein
- Protein helps your muscles. Try beans, fish, chicken, eggs, milk, or cheese. If you find these hard to eat, a protein shake can help.
Move a Little Each Day
- You do not need to exercise hard. Try short walks. Do gentle stretches. Even light movement helps your mood and metabolism. Start with five to ten minutes and add more when you can.
Check Your Medicines
- Some medicines affect weight. Ask your doctor if a change in medicine might help. Do not stop any medicine without talking to your provider.
Sleep and Stress Help
- Try to sleep at regular times. Use calm breathing or short walks to reduce stress. Better sleep and less stress can make it easier to manage weight.
Track Your Food and Weight
- Keep a simple log. Write what you eat and your weight once a week. This helps you and your care team see what is working.
Tests That Help
Your care team may suggest tests. These check for causes that can be treated:
- Blood tests for thyroid or hormones.
- Tests for vitamin levels.
- Checks for swelling or fluid build-up.
- Metabolism tests to see how your body uses food.
These tests help your doctor plan the right care.
How Urbane Health Care Can Help
At Urbane Health Care, we help adults after cancer treatment. We offer whole-person care. That means we look at your body, your mind and your daily life. Here is how we can help you:
- Cancer Survivorship Program. We offer primary care that focuses on recovery. We help with fatigue, hormones and weight.
- Metabolic and Hormone Optimization. We check and treat hormone and metabolism problems. This can help with weight.
- Primary and Functional Care. We work with you to set realistic goals. We make a plan that fits your life.
- Veteran Evaluations. If you are a veteran, we can help with service-related health needs.
- Modern Diagnostics. We use up-to-date tests to find what is going on.
- Caring Team. We listen and work with you. We help you feel balanced again.
- Locations. We serve patients in New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Florida, with more states soon.
We keep care simple and clear. You can talk with our team about food, movement, medicines and tests. We will make a plan with you.
When To Get Urgent Help
Call your doctor or get care right away if you have:
- Very fast weight loss or gain.
- Trouble breathing or chest pain.
- High fever.
- Severe swelling that makes movement hard.
- You cannot eat at all for days.
These signs need quick attention.
Final Words
Weight changes after cancer treatment are common. You do not have to handle this alone. Small steps can help. Tests and medicines can help too. At Urbane Health Care, we want to help you find balance. We’ll listen and create a plan for you. Reach out to our trusted care team for support with your weight.
FAQs
Q. Why did my weight change after cancer?
Cancer and its care can change your appetite, hormones, and energy. Medicines and tiredness can also cause weight change.
Q. Is weight gain or loss normal?
Yes. Some people gain weight. Some lose weight. Both can happen after treatment.
