What do experts recommend?
Medical groups provide recommendations regarding body weight for people with cancer. Learn more about the meanings of recommendations: Integrative Oncology Programs and Expert Guidelines ›
2013 clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians recommend adding high calorie and protein supplements (1.5 kcal/mL) as a nutritional adjunct to achieve weight stabilization to address weight loss (weak recommendation).
Survivorship Care for Healthy Living Guidelines ›
These 2020 guidelines recommend achieving and maintaining a normal body weight.
Strategies to lose weight:
- Check your weight every day.
- Lose no more than two pounds a week if younger than 65 years of age. Lose no more than one pound a week if 65 years of age or older.
- Don’t eat too many high-calorie foods, especially empty-calorie foods.
- Control how much you eat by following plate or serving size standards.
- Address physical, mental, and social reasons for being overweight.
- See a registered dietician or join a weight management program.
- Use community resources.
- Don’t use weight loss supplements.
Strategies to gain weight:
- Eat more often.
- Eat food that is high in calories and nutrients.
- Don’t drink while eating.
- Address physical, mental, and social reasons of being underweight.
- See a registered dietician.
Strategies to maintain weight:
- Make maintaining normal body weight a goal.
- Check your weight every week.
- Don’t eat too many high-calorie foods, especially empty-calorie foods.
- Control how much you eat by following plate or serving size standards.
Survivorship Care for Cancer-Related Late and Long-Term Effects ›
NCCN 2024 guidelines for patients recommend maintaining a normal body weight for hot flashes, and losing weight if overweight to improve sexual function in men or sleep difficulty (obstructive sleep apnea).
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