MyLungCancerTeam

Gaining weight during SCLC treatment can feel like an uphill battle, but there are some practical strategies that can really help. The main goal is to pack as many calories as possible into whatever you can manage to eat.

Here are some calorie-dense foods and snacks to consider:

- Full-fat butter, cheese, and ice cream
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Gaining weight during SCLC treatment can feel like an uphill battle, but there are some practical strategies that can really help. The main goal is to pack as many calories as possible into whatever you can manage to eat.

Here are some calorie-dense foods and snacks to consider:

- Full-fat butter, cheese, and ice cream
- Peanut butter and other nut butters
- Trail mix and nuts
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Pudding and granola bars
- Yogurt with fruit
- Smoothies or 100% fruit juice (instead of water)
- High-calorie shakes

Adding extras like sauces, dressings, honey, or condiments to meals is a sneaky way to boost calories without eating more volume. Instead of three large meals, try eating several small meals throughout the day. This can make it easier to get enough calories without feeling overwhelmed or too full.

If drinking with meals makes you feel full too quickly, try saving beverages for between meals instead.

It's also worth asking your oncologist for a referral to an oncology dietitian — they can build a personalized nutrition plan and suggest high-calorie options tailored to your needs. As one MyLungCancerTeam member shared, working with a dietitian helped them avoid weight loss entirely during treatment.

 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.

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