Managing Weight Changes During Breast Cancer

August 27, 2025 / Editor

Managing Weight Changes During Breast Cancer

When introduced to the realities of breast cancer, one would think the focus would only be on treating the disease itself. But along the way, you will discover something many women also experience: unexpected weight changes. If you are undergoing treatment right now, you may have noticed that your clothes fit differently, or your body feels unfamiliar. For some, the scale goes up. For others, it goes down. Either way, it can feel confusing and sometimes discouraging.

Why Weight Changes Happen During Breast Cancer Treatment?

Weight changes are not your fault. They are often connected to the treatment itself and how the body responds.

Chemotherapy and Menopause Effects: Chemotherapy can trigger early menopause in some women. When this happens, the metabolism slows down. That means our bodies burn food more slowly, making it easier to gain weight. At the same time, menopause reduces lean muscle and increases body fat, which can change the way we look and feel.
Steroid Medications: Many treatments involve steroids to ease nausea, swelling, or chemo side effects. These steroids may increase appetite and cause fat to collect around the belly, face, and neck. Some women notice their face looks puffier or their arms and legs feel weaker because of muscle loss.
Hormone Therapy: Treatments that lower estrogen and progesterone also affect how the body processes food. They tend to reduce muscle and increase body fat.
Reduced Physical Activity: During treatment, fatigue, nausea, or pain often make us less active. Reduced movement means our muscles weaken, which makes weight gain easier to notice.

Understanding Weight Gain: How Common Is It?

Gaining between 2 and 6 kg in the first year of treatment is very common. Some women gain more. If this has happened to you, know that you are not alone. Weight gain during breast cancer treatment is more than a cosmetic issue. It can increase the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even the chance of breast cancer coming back. On an emotional level, weight gain can affect self-confidence and how we see ourselves as women.

Be gentle with yourself. These changes are not a sign of weakness. Focus on a balanced diet, eat plenty of vegetables, beans, fish, lean meat, and whole grains. Drink enough water and reduce sugary snacks and fried foods. Also, include gentle activities like walking, stretching, or dancing to your favorite Nigerian songs if your doctor approves. Remember that small, steady habits make the most significant difference.

Understanding Weight Loss: Why Some Women Lose Weight?

Not everyone gains weight, some women lose it instead. Loss of appetite, nausea, taste changes, or sore mouth may make eating difficult. Food that once smelled inviting may suddenly taste unpleasant. Weight loss can weaken the body, reduce energy, and slow recovery. Poor nutrition also makes it harder to fight infections or stay active.

Try eating smaller, frequent meals instead of large ones. Fortify your meals by adding more calories and protein: beans, eggs, milk, butter, or local substitutes like soybeans and groundnut paste. You can consider supplements such as protein shakes or energy powders if your doctor recommends them, or ask if appetite boosters like certain steroids suit you. Do not struggle alone.

The Supports that Heal

Balanced Diet Basics

Food is medicine, and proper nutrition helps your body heal faster. A typical Nigerian diet can be balanced when carefully planned. Yams and plantains for energy, beans for protein, vegetables for vitamins, and fish or lean meat for strength. Choose less oily soups, and try steaming or grilling instead of deep frying. Protein repairs the body during and after treatment. It supports muscle strength and energy. Foods like beans, eggs, chicken, fish, and milk are excellent choices. Water is a simple but powerful healer. It flushes out toxins from chemotherapy and protects the kidneys. Aim to drink enough fluids daily—water, fruit-infused drinks, or light soups. Do not put pressure on yourself to eat ideally.

The goal is to eat what nourishes you and what you enjoy, even if it is not always ideal.

2. The Role of Exercise

Exercise is not just about weight, it helps with energy, mood, and strength. It can reduce fatigue and even support your immune system. Walking around your compound, light jogging, stretching, or even dancing are excellent ways to stay active. Simple aerobics with friends can lift your spirits if you enjoy group activities. For those recovering strength, light strength training can help rebuild muscle, but always with your doctor’s approval. You do not have to do everything at once. Ten minutes a day is better than nothing. Listen to your body and gradually increase your activity.

Conclusion

Breast cancer changes us in many ways—physically and emotionally. Weight gain or loss during treatment is part of this journey, but it does not define your beauty or strength. If you are gaining weight, remind yourself it is not your fault. If you are losing weight, know that help is available.

In both cases, what matters most is your health and your healing. Every woman’s story is unique. That is why seeking personal medical advice for your specific needs is important. If you notice sudden or worrying changes in your weight, do not keep it to yourself. Reach out to your doctor or a professional dietitian. Support is available, and you deserve to feel strong and confident during and after treatment.