Weight Gain
It has been documented that an average 5-8 pound weight gain can occur over a year's time for women undergoing chemotherapy as part of their breast cancer treatment. Some women gain less than the average; some more, climbing as high as 25 pounds over their pre-treatment body weight*. Research has also found that breast cancer survivors who were overweight or obese were more likely to have their cancer recur than thinner survivors.**
Many factors affect a woman’s body weight, including diet, exercise, and changes in metabolism and body composition. For instance, increase in nausea, fatigue and pain can decrease the tendency of the patient to exercise contributing to weight gain. On the other hand, some women experience intense food cravings during chemotherapy. Unlike typical weight gain of lean and fatty tissue, chemotherapy induced weight gain involves only fat. Chemotherapy can also lead to premature menopause resulting in a slowing of metabolism.
The therapists at the Breast Health and Rehabilitation Center understand the challenges associated with weight gain and breast cancer and can give you the tools you need to effectively and safely combat weight gain and reduce your risk for recurrence.
*Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2001; Vol.19, No. 9:2381-2389
**Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2002. Vol. 20, No. 15: 3302-3316
Disclaimer: The Breast Health and Rehabilitation Center seeks to educate the community on musculoskeletal causes of pain and dysfunction as a result of breast cancer. Specific medical advice and/or answers to your personal health questions will require a full examination by one of our physical therapists. This website is not intended to be a substitute for a medical evaluation, but rather as an educational resource.