← Back
After treatment and remission

Weight

After leukaemia treatment, weight can go up or down. This topic explains why, why a healthy weight matters and how to maintain it gradually.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A balance with leaf and path shapes.
Figure 1.A healthy weight is balance.

01Short answer

Weight changes after treatment are common. Causes of weight gain include steroids (which increase appetite and change where fat is stored), low activity during and after treatment, loss of muscle, hormone changes (an underactive thyroid — topic “Thyroid”; growth and sex hormones — topic “Hormones”), some medicines and stress. Children who had cranial radiation have a higher later risk of excess weight and metabolic syndrome. Causes of weight loss include poor appetite, taste changes, chronic GVHD (topic “Chronic GVHD”), digestive problems and depression. A healthy weight matters for the heart, blood sugar, joints and overall cancer risk. The main approach is small, lasting changes: balanced eating (topic “Nutrition in remission”), daily movement (topic “Getting active again”), enough sleep and managing stress. Crash diets and “quick weight-loss” products are not recommended. In children, weight is assessed together with height, and any diet is planned only by the doctor and a dietitian. Your doctor can check for medical causes of weight change, such as the thyroid, hormones or medicines.

02Simple explanation

After treatment, weight can go up or down.

Causes of gain: steroids, low activity, hormones.

Causes of loss: poor appetite, GVHD, mood.

Approach: small, lasting changes.

Crash diets are not recommended.

03Scientific explanation

Metabolic risk: the COG notes that survivors who had cranial or total body radiation have a higher risk of excess weight, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome; weight and blood pressure should be measured yearly.

Healthy weight: the ACS recommends that survivors keep a healthy weight and, if needed, lose weight gradually through eating and activity.

Weight and health: according to the WHO, excess weight raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and some cancers.

Lasting change: MedlinePlus notes that gradual weight loss (about 0.5–1 kg a week) lasts better and is based on changing habits.

04What happens in the body?

Why does weight change?

Steroids increase appetite, low activity reduces muscle and hormones change metabolism. On the other hand, poor appetite and GVHD can cause weight loss.

Two arcs of light, one up and one down.
Figure 2.Weight can go up or down.

Why does a healthy weight matter?

It protects the heart, blood sugar, joints and bones, gives more energy and lowers the risk of some cancers.

If your weight has gone up

Small steps: swap sugary drinks for water, make portions a little smaller, add vegetables and walk every day. One small change each week.

A stepping-stone path up a hill.
Figure 3.Small, steady steps.

If your weight has gone down

Eat small amounts often, choose foods rich in energy and protein, and adapt to taste changes. Talk to a dietitian and your doctor.

In children

Weight is assessed together with height. Diets for children are planned only by a doctor and dietitian; healthy habits for the whole family work better.

When to call your doctor

Worrying signs — fever, bleeding, new pain, breathlessness — should be reported to your doctor between visits too. Getting in touch early is always better than waiting.

05Towards a healthy weight

Steps.

Measure — Track weight and waist.1MeasureTrack weight and waist.
Goal — One small goal.2GoalOne small goal.
Move — Move every day.3MoveMove every day.
Check — Thyroid, hormones, medicines.4CheckThyroid, hormones, medicines.
BalanceWeight stabilises.
HeartThe heart is protected.
EnergyMore energy.

06Weight change: causes and actions (simplified)

ChangePossible causeWhat helps
Weight gainSteroids, low activity, hormonesEating, movement, hormone check
Fat around the waistMetabolic changesMovement, doctor follow-up
Weight lossPoor appetite, GVHD, moodDietitian, doctor
Rapid unexplained weight lossVariousSee a doctor without waiting

* Make your own plan with your doctor and a dietitian.

07Key terms

Healthy weight
A body weight that suits good health.
Body mass index
Weight in relation to height.
Metabolic syndrome
A combination of excess weight, high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
Insulin resistance
The body responding poorly to insulin.
Portion
The amount of food eaten at one time.
Waist size
A simple measure of belly fat.

08Key points

  • Weight changes are normal.
  • Start with small changes.
  • Move every day.
  • Avoid crash diets.
  • Get medical causes checked.
  • See a doctor for rapid weight loss.

09Frequently asked questions

Will the weight go after steroids?

It often comes down gradually after the medicine stops; movement helps.

Can I take weight-loss medicines?

Only after discussing it with your doctor.

How fast can I lose weight?

Gradually — about 0.5–1 kg a week is the most lasting.

My child eats a lot — what should I do?

Do not put them on a diet; talk to the doctor and a dietitian and change habits as a family.

Does this information replace medical advice?

No. This is general education; only your treating doctor can assess your situation.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Will the weight go after steroids?

  2. Can I take weight-loss medicines?

  3. How fast can I lose weight?

  4. My child eats a lot — what should I do?

  5. Does this information replace medical advice?

My questions

12Sources

  1. American Cancer Society. Nutrition and Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment
  2. World Health Organization. Obesity and overweight
  3. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Weight Control
  4. World Cancer Research Fund. Cancer Prevention Recommendations
  5. Children's Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer Survivorship
  8. Cancer.Net (ASCO). Follow-Up Care After Cancer Treatment
  9. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Long-Term and Late Effects of Treatment
  10. National Cancer Institute. Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →