cathyr Posted November 19, 2004 Share Posted November 19, 2004 I am just curious. What causes weight loss for cancer patients? My doctor is always happy because I don't lose weight. Does the appetite get affected eventually or do people lose weight because of nausea? Thanks for your answers! CathyR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 True cancer weight loss is due to chemicals released by cancer cells. A chemical called cachexin (most likely tumor necrosis factor) causes the body to start breaking down its tissues, go into negative protein balance and results in weight loss. Of course nausea can certainly lead to weight loss for people on chemotherapy but that is a seperate issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teresag Posted November 20, 2004 Share Posted November 20, 2004 Just to expand upon that a little, cachexin causes catabolism, or loss of lean body mass, despite nutritional intake. With the new anti-nausea drugs, nausea is less of a cause of weight loss now than it was in the past. While it is of course important to get good nutrition, cancer patients often lose weight in spite of it. Appetite stimulants help. Dr. Joe listed the common ones in another thread. Moderate exercise is also a good idea (for everyone, really) because it sustains lean body mass. You must be doing something right, Cathy. May ED stay ten feet behind you, where he belongs. - Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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