Weight Changes after Breast Cancer Treatment
After treatment for breast cancer, you may find you have gained or lost weight. It can be helpful to speak with your GP or practice nurse. They can assess if your current weight is healthy. To do this they will measure your weight and height to calculate your body mass index (BMI). If your BMI is too high or low, they can help you put a plan together. They may refer you to a dietitian if they think this would be helpful. They can also let you know about any local schemes aimed at helping people manage their weight and be more active.
Weight gain
Weight gain during and after treatment can be upsetting and can happen for several reasons.
This may be due to:
• The side effects of some drugs, which can increase appetite.
• The body retaining fluid.
• Being less active than usual when having treatment.
• Overeating when you are anxious or because your usual routine has changed.
• The menopause (as a result of your treatment).
Putting on weight can affect how you feel about your body and leave you with low self-esteem. However, some simple changes to the way you eat and exercise can help you lose weight and keep it off.
How can I lose weight after breast cancer treatment?
We usually put on weight when the amount of calories we eat is more than the amount of calories we burn through normal everyday activities and exercise.
How to lose weight safely
If you need to lose weight after treatment, aim for a realistic weight loss of about 0.5–1kg (1–2 pounds) a week. The only way to lose weight healthily and keep it off is to make some permanent changes to the way you eat and exercise.
The following changes may help you lose weight:
• Reduce your portion sizes.
• Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
• Choose wholegrain varieties of bread, pasta and cereals.
• Use lower-fat dairy foods, such as skimmed or semi-skimmed milk or lower-fat cheese such as feta, reduced-fat cheddar or cottage cheese.
• Go for lean cuts of meat and trim off as much fat as possible.
• Include beans and pulses in your diet.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Limit the amount of biscuits, cakes, chocolate and crisps you eat. Try to choose healthier options when eating out and remember that takeaways can be high in fat and calories.
Some people find the support from a local weight loss scheme or club helpful. As well as eating a healthy diet, you should also try to do some regular moderate-intensity exercise.
Please go to our Eating and Drinking page and Physical Activity and Exercise page to view further advice.
The NHS has developed a 12-week weight loss programme in association with the British Dietetic Association. Your GP can tell you more about this or you can download the guide from their website here.
How to put on weight after breast cancer treatment
If you have lost weight during your treatment, some simple changes to your diet can help. To put on weight in a healthy way, you need to eat more calories and more protein. Aim to eat three meals and some snacks throughout the day. Have more of the protein-rich foods like lean cuts of meat, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and pulses (such as lentils and beans), and include healthy fats such as avocados, olive or rape-seed oil, and unsalted peanut butter.
Your GP can prescribe high-protein or high-energy drinks and soups if you need extra help to gain weight, or they may refer you to a dietitian.
Vitamins and supplements during and after breast cancer treatment
Your GP may suggest supplements; for example if your bone health has been affected they may prescribe a calcium or vitamin D supplement. However, unless you are having problems recovering from treatment, supplements are not needed.
Some people wonder whether certain herbal products might help, for example with the side effects of treatment. However, there is conflicting evidence about the safety or effectiveness of some herbal products, and some may affect how certain cancer treatments work. Talk to your specialist, GP or a dietitian before taking them.
Disclaimer: On this website you will find advice to help you manage some of the more common but milder symptoms and side effects of breast cancer surgery. Please ONLY use this advice if you are currently participating in the ePainQ research project, otherwise you must follow the advice given to you by your medical team.
Clicking on the links in the left-hand menu will take you to advice on looking after yourself during treatment. If after following the advice you don’t feel your symptoms are being successfully managed or relieved, or if you become more unwell, you should contact your hospital medical team immediately.