Home → Day-to-Day Matters → Nutrition → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Diet and Nutrition → January 2005: Nutrition and Weight → When back to normal weight after treatment?

When back to normal weight after treatment?

Page last modified on: September 29, 2008

Question from BaldyBean3: How long does it take for the weight to come off from all the steroids that you take from chemo? When do you get back to a normal weight?: Answers —Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D.: In terms of weight gain during treatment, it's important to understand that steroids are not the only source of weight gain. It's clear that other factors play a role. For example, many women become less physically active during treatment. There may be emotional issues that lead women to eat comfort food. Also, small frequent meals may decrease nausea, which may lead to weight gain.

Resting energy expenditures (the calories your body uses to breathe and function) is lowered in some women during treatment. And all of these factors can contribute to weight gain. As steroid therapy dwindles down, there will be a loss of body weight related to fluid shift, but it's also important to begin to develop healthy eating and activity habits to control body weight.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: For sure, losing the extra weight is hard work that takes time. Give yourself credit for any progress you make—even a few ounces is great, and particularly if you manage to get rid of a few extra pounds. Losing weight with a friend or a group like Weight Watchers can help a lot.

On Wednesday, January 19, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Nutrition and Weight. Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D. and Marisa Weiss M.D. answered your questions about nutrition and weight.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

Was this resource helpful?

Yes No

Thank you for your input!

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Meet the Experts

Cyndi Thomson, Ph.D., R.D. is an associate professor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Arizona - with joint appointments in medicine and public health.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

View Mobile Site