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WHY AM I LOSING WEIGHT WITHOUT TRYING TO DO SO

A MyLungCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cincinnati, OH
January 17
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A MyLungCancerTeam Member

Hi Mickey, glad to read you're doing much better. I can identify with the weight issue. As I explained it another post I gained weight during treatment even though I continued trying to diet. Like you I increase my proteins decrease my carbs and I haven't had alcohol in almost 24 years. I also have take two diabetes so I also stay away from sugar as much as possible. I also use a lot of cinnamon and garlic. A lot of calcium buildup in my arteries. But it also helps with a diabetes as does the cinnamon. At least that's what I've read and have experienced. But it took me more than almost 2 years to get my blood sugar regulated again, to an acceptable range between 75 and 114. The 114 is based on number on my test strips. It goes a little above from time to time and that's okay I can explain why. I eat a lot of chicken usually boiled. I stay away from fried foods because it's been suggested that fried foods help promote cancer growth. Even though I've been remissioned for almost 3 years now. I eat a lot of salads. Lettuce, cherry tomatoes, onion, green pepper, mushrooms, cucumber. For the past several months I've also added apple cider vinegar to my diet. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 16 oz of water once to twice a day to help reduce belly fat. Seems to be working well. I'm down from 275 to roughly 2:40 over this past year. I get worried if I lose weight too quickly, for obvious reasons. Again congratulations with the wait and good

January 18
A MyLungCancerTeam Member

I had weight loss after my lobectomy, as did my brother. He became underweight. I liked my new weight and have kept if off for 4 years now. I did increase protein, fiber, decreased carbs, and alcohol.

January 18
MyLungCancerTeam

Why are you losing weight without trying?

Weight loss is common with lung cancer, affecting about 60 percent of people diagnosed. Several factors can contribute to this:

Your body is working harder
- Lung cancer increases your resting energy expenditure, meaning you burn more calories even when resting
- Cancer cells use Show Full Answer

Why are you losing weight without trying?

Weight loss is common with lung cancer, affecting about 60 percent of people diagnosed. Several factors can contribute to this:

Your body is working harder:
- Lung cancer increases your resting energy expenditure, meaning you burn more calories even when resting
- Cancer cells use glucose for their own needs, taking calories away from the rest of your body
- This creates a negative energy balance, leading to weight loss

Loss of appetite:
- Many people with lung cancer experience decreased appetite, making it harder to eat enough
- Pain, fatigue, and difficulty chewing or swallowing can make eating challenging
- This can create a cycle where not eating causes more fatigue, which makes eating even harder

Treatment side effects:
- Chemotherapy and radiation can cause nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, or loss of appetite
- These treatments target rapidly dividing cells, which can temporarily affect healthy cells and increase fatigue

Advanced disease symptoms:
- If cancer has spread to bones, it can cause calcium release into the bloodstream, leading to nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss often becomes more noticeable as lung cancer reaches advanced stages

It's important to discuss this with your healthcare team. They can refer you to a dietitian who can help you create a nutrition plan to maintain a healthier weight during treatment.

January 17

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