MyLungCancerTeam

Why are you losing weight despite eating with non-small cell lung cancer during targeted immune therapy?

Even when you're eating, weight loss can happen because your body is burning more energy at rest than usual. Lung cancer causes your body to work harder just to maintain normal function, which shifts your energy balance Show Full Answer

Why are you losing weight despite eating with non-small cell lung cancer during targeted immune therapy?

Even when you're eating, weight loss can happen because your body is burning more energy at rest than usual. Lung cancer causes your body to work harder just to maintain normal function, which shifts your energy balance negative and leads to weight loss.

Additionally, cancer cells use glucose for their own needs, taking away calories that would normally fuel the rest of your body. This means even if you're eating the same amount, your body isn't getting all the nutrition it needs.

Here are other factors that may contribute:

* Treatment side effects like nausea, changes in taste, or fatigue can affect how well your body absorbs and uses nutrients
* Your body may need more calories during treatment than you realize
* Cancer can produce substances that suppress hunger and affect how your body processes food

A MyLungCancerTeam member shared a similar experience: "I can't seem to gain weight. I lost a good bit of weight before I was diagnosed, plus the treatments didn't help."

It's important to talk with your oncologist about this. They may refer you to a registered dietitian who can help create a nutrition plan with calorie-dense foods and strategies to maintain your weight during treatment. Research shows that maintaining a healthy weight can actually improve how well treatments work.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Lung Cancer and Weight Loss: What You Should Know