Weight and Cancer
Risks Related to Obesity
Obesity or being overweight can affect health in many negative ways. Related to cancer, maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk in at least 13 different types of cancer, including brain, breast (in women past menopause), colon / rectal, endometrial, esophageal, gall bladder, kidney (renal), liver, myeloma, ovarian, pancreatic and stomach cancers. Additionally, weight loss can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence for cancer survivors
Body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is not a perfect tool, but BMI and health-related outcomes have been well-studied, and BMI has become a validated way to assess for obesity.
To calculate your BMI, use this calculator:
BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5–24.9
Overweight = 25–29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or great
More meaning than simply calculating BMI, though, is a better understanding of the composition of your body, including how much body fat is present. Body fat can accumulate anywhere in the body, most commonly around the abdomen (apple-shaped) and hips (pear-shaped). Some studies suggest that fat around the abdomen may be more concerning for chronic disease such as diabetes and possibly cancer, perhaps because the fat tissue is surrounding vital body organs such as the liver and pancreas.
Cancer Treatment and Weight Gain
Some cancer treatments, notably for breast, prostate or ovarian cancers, can promote weight gain. This is probably due to the hormonal-blocking effects of the cancer treatments. If you or your loved are gaining weight during cancer treatment, please request a visit with a registered dietician to help you manage this concerning side effect.
Additionally, weight loss after cancer treatment has been associated with reduced recurrence of several types of cancer including breast, endometrial and color.
Cancer Treatment and Weight Loss
For many people with cancer, weight loss is a bigger concern than weight gain. Cancer is a metabolically active disease and can lead to reduction of body mass and even muscle loss in some cases. Additionally, cancer or cancer treatments can lead to a variety of symptoms that can contribute to weight loss including:
- Changes in taste or smell
- Mouth sores or mouth pain
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Depression or other mood changes
- Pain or discomfort
- Advancing disease
If you (or your loved one) are experiencing unintentional weight loss during cancer treatment, it is important to address this issue early with your oncologist, and consider a referral to an oncology-specialized dietician to discuss ways to stabilize weight and improve symptoms as well as possible.
Even if food is not appetizing, it is important to stay well-hydrated (with water) throughout treatment to improve treatment tolerance and decrease side effects such as electrolyte changes, toxin build-up, protection of kidneys and other organs, among many other reasons.
Taste, Smell, and Appetite Changes
Frequently, during cancer or cancer treatment, taste, smell and appetite can change. Many types of chemotherapy result in temporary damage to taste buds, resulting in flavor changes of flavor familiar foods. For some, this results in a metallic, bitter, or other unpleasant flavor. Others report changes in smell, so that the smell of the cooking of food might result in nausea, or the aroma of food is no longer appealing. These can result in appetite changes, leading to weight loss. Surgery and radiation therapy, as well as the cancer itself, can also lead to changes in taste, smell and appetite.
It is imperative to discuss changes in taste, smell, appetite, or your weight with your oncologist or other health care provider, and possibly with a certified oncology dietician as well. Mouth pain, oral ulcers (mouth sores), discomfort with swallowing, constipation, medications, or a variety of other causes can also read to changes in appetite and possibly weight loss. These conditions should be treated or addressed.
Be sure to take excellent care of your mouth and teeth during all phases of cancer and cancer treatment. Oral health is a critical component of whole health. If using traditional toothpaste burns or is uncomfortable, you can change flavors, or make your own using coconut oil and baking soda: put a toothpaste amount of coconut oil onto your toothpaste, then dip into a small jar or bowl of baking soda, wet slightly and brush normally.
