Even if you’re a little on the “fluffy” side, weight loss during cancer treatment is not good for your recovery. At Issels®, we want you to be as strong as you can during treatment, so we’ve put together this simple guide from the experts at the American Cancer Society.
Why does weight loss make recovery slow and difficult?
- Surgical incisions require protein for repair and new tissue creation.
- Cells killed by chemotherapy need protein for replacement.
- Without the necessary nutrition, your body has to dip into lean muscle mass (in addition to fat stores) to find the necessary building blocks for new tissue.
- Dipping into lean muscle mass reduces stamina and energy.
- The culmination of the above effects can weaken your immune system and postpone treatment.
How much weight loss is too much?
- 1-2% of your body weight in a week.
- 5% in a month.
- 10% over three months.
Maintain independence and take control of your treatment by focusing good nutrition.
Get close to your starting weight before your next treatment. Add about 250 calories per day to your diet by:
- Adding a glass of milk to each meal.
- Eating a snack in the car on the way to appointments.
- Have ice cream as a bedtime snack if your mouth/throat is sore or appetite is poor.
Still losing weight?
- Eat every two hours.
- Add more frequent snacks.
- Boost calories in foods you already enjoy.
- Discover delicious recipes specifically for cancer patients.
- Consider discussing an appetite stimulant with your doctor.
- Develop a plan for your specific needs with a dietician. There may be free programs in your area.
Hungry for successful results? Contact Issels ® today.