When back to normal weight after treatment?

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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., 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.

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