For those who start treatment at a healthy weight with a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI), a 1 to 2% loss over a week or 5% loss over a month are causes for concern. Put another way, this equates to a 150-pound person losing about 3 pounds in a week or 7. 5 pounds in a month. Your healthcare team may become concerned with a smaller amount of weight loss if you were underweight initially when you began treatment. Similarly, they may be less concerned with a more significant amount of weight loss if you were overweight initially. Don’t stress if you do lose weight immediately after a chemotherapy treatment. This is normal. Your healthcare team wants to track your weight to determine whether or not you can regain that loss by the time you arrive for your next treatment.
These drugs usually fall into the category of corticosteroids, serotonin antagonists, dopamine antagonists, NK-1 inhibitors, cannabinoids, motion sickness treatments, anti-anxiety drugs and stomach acid blockers.
If a friend or family member is sick and infectious, use caution or avoid being around the person until the disease can’t be transferred to you.
Improve physical ability Improve balance and reduce the risk of falls and broken bones Reduce muscle wasting from inactivity Lower the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis Improve self-esteem Lessen nausea and lower the risk of anxiety and depression Improve your quality of life Improve your appetite
If you’re dealing with mouth sores, you may notice that even a little alcohol in mouthwash can irritate mouth sores and make them worse. This will make eating more painful and increase the potential for greater weight loss. Opt for non-alcoholic mouthwash or children’s mouthwash, and consider switching to an organic toothpaste to avoid these issues. [8] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source
Sometimes your lack of appetite or weight loss is caused by another treatable condition, such as depression, pain, or anxiety. [11] X Research source Your physician can help with medication or recommendations for behavioral therapy which will reduce your depression or anxiety and increase your appetite.
Talk with your healthcare team about measures you should be taking to prevent constipation.
Drink most of your fluids between meals and/or snacks instead of with them. Fluids will fill your stomach and make you feel like you are full but without having consumed enough calories, so it’s best to drink fluids when you aren’t eating. High energy foods like nut butter on toast, granola and whole milk, pudding, full-fat yogurt, smoothies, cheese & crackers, dried fruit with nuts, and avocado toast will fuel you with every bite. [13] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020.
For a tangy protein smoothie: Blend ⅓ cup of cottage cheese or plain yogurt, ½ of cup vanilla ice cream, ¼ cup of prepared fruit-flavored gelatin (you can use an individual ready-to-eat snack cup), and ¼ cup of low-fat milk until they’re combined. Drink immediately. For hearty soups, make sure to include beans or meat and plenty of vegetables. You might try making a turkey minestrone or chicken and white bean soup. For a high-protein milkshake: Blend 1 of cup protein-fortified milk, 2 tablespoons of butterscotch sauce, chocolate sauce, or your favorite fruit syrup or sauce, 1/2 cup of ice cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract till combined. Drink immediately.
As an alternative, sprinkle some protein powder into your oatmeal or cereal. Consider asking your doctor about lipids in liquid form, as they can be added to your diet to increase your caloric intake.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in walnuts and tuna fish.
Mouth sores Dry mouth or swelling in the mouth Poor appetite Vomiting and/or diarrhea Changes in the ability to taste food Fatigue and constipation[19] X Research source Dental and gum problems[20] X Trustworthy Source American Cancer Society Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support Go to source Nervous system damage
Not everyone gets the same side effects from the same medications. The severity of the side effects will also vary. There are medications and choices you can make that will help prevent and alleviate some of the side effects. Although side effects are unpleasant, they must be weighed against the benefits of treating the cancer. Most of the side effects associated with loss of appetite and weight loss will resolve fairly quickly, over a couple of weeks or months. But, the time it takes to regain energy and appetite will vary from person to person.
Research shows that patients who were able to stabilize their weight reported better outcomes. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If food isn’t as flavorful, add sauces, syrups, or garnishes to your food that boost salty, sweet or spicy flavors. If food tastes too sweet, add salty or sour flavorings or dilute your beverages. You can also add things like yogurt, buttermilk, or coffee to balance out overly sweet things. If food tastes too salty, add a little sugar to counteract the salt. You should also look for low-sodium products or rinse canned vegetables before using them to remove excess salt. If meat doesn’t taste right, try replacing it with another protein such as beans, cheese, tofu, nut butters, yogurt, fish, or poultry.
