We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do I Fight Chemotherapy Weight Loss?

By Christina Edwards
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,513
Share

Cancer is often treated with chemotherapy, which can cause some side effects. Chemotherapy weight loss is one of these side effects, and it is usually caused by other side effects, such as nausea. Treating nausea caused by chemotherapy may be enough to help prevent this weight loss. Most doctors also typically advise their chemotherapy patients to eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day.

Although it is one of the most effective cancer treatments, chemotherapy typically causes patients to feel nauseated. This is particularly true when it is used to treat certain gastrointestinal cancers. These side effects will often cause a patient to lose her appetite, which can lead to chemotherapy weight loss.

Most patients going through this type of treatment for cancer will usually experience either chemotherapy weight gain or weight loss. Coupled with the normal weight loss during cancer, however, chemotherapy weight loss can lead to other serious medical conditions. A patient who loses more than five pounds (2.3 kilograms) a week during chemotherapy should speak with her doctor as soon as possible.

Treating other side effects of chemotherapy may help prevent chemotherapy weight loss. To prevent nausea, a chemotherapy patient should avoid any strong smells, particularly strong food smells. Nausea may also be prevented by avoiding any possibly irritating foods, especially greasy and fried foods. Resting after eating can also aid in digestion and prevent nausea during chemotherapy. In some cases, a doctor may also recommend an anti-nausea medicine.

Instead of eating three large meals each day, many chemotherapy patients are typically advised to eat about six small meals. These smaller meals are often much easier to digest than three large meals. It is also important to create a schedule for eating and stick with it. A patient should eat at the same time every day, whether she is hungry or not. A balanced, healthy chemotherapy diet is important, and it should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains.

Snacking throughout the day can also help prevent chemotherapy weight loss. Some doctors advise their patients to eat a small snack as often as once every hour. This will increase the amount of calories that patients consume each day. Bland snacks are usually best, since these are less likely to cause nausea.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-fight-chemotherapy-weight-loss.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.