How to Cope With Weight Gain From Chemo

Chemo can cause changes in your weight. You may gain weight because you're exercising less, eating more or retaining fluids. You may also have more fatty tissue because steroids cause fat deposits. Once you're done with treatment, the weight gain should go away, but there are things you can do to cope with the change in your weight.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep track of your exercise and eating habits. Take a look at how they compare to your actions before chemo.

2. Change what you eat, focusing on low-calorie nutritious foods. You want to eat lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables and low fat cheeses.

3. Try to exercise as much as possible, given your condition. Talk to your doctor about creating an exercise program designed specifically for you.

4. Consider light aerobic activity like swimming or walking to cope with the weight gain.

5. Elevate your feet and reduce the salt in your diet if you're retaining water. This includes tomato soup, ham and table salt.

6. Ask your doctor about a diuretic if you're retaining a lot of water. These "water pills" may help you lose some of the water weight.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid sweets like candy, honey and sugar.
• Don't try fad diets without first talking to your doctor.
• Call your doctor if you gain five pounds of weight in one week.

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