Some treatments such as hormone therapy can cause unwanted weight gain… and loss of muscle mass. Indeed, a fall of testosterone levels causes a slowing of the metabolism and if you continue eating as much as you did before the beginning of the treatment, you find yourself quickly with five or ten kilos extra.

During the treatment, the priority will be to slow down or stop this weight gain. It is not recommended to start dieting without speaking to your doctor as it could be dangerous. It will be necessary, instead, to reduce your energy intake by eating more fruits and vegetables and less fatty and sugary foods. Whenever possible, try to do 30 minutes of adapted physical exercise every day.

It would also be useful to consult a dietician or nutritionist who can take into account your side effects in the diet she will propose to you. This meeting can indeed give the necessary boost when we do not know where to start.

Suggestions for affected men struggling with weight gain

• A maximum of 15–20% of your daily calorie intake should be from fat.
• Instead of frying, steam your vegetables and grill or bake your fish and poultry.
• Eat one to two servings of fish a week.
• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
• Use herbs, garlic, onions, and spices instead of butter, salt, or creamy sauces.
• Mix fruit juice with sparkling water as a soft drink
• Reserve pastries, processed foods and salted meats for special occasions
• Reduce to twice a week or eliminate red meats from your diet.

Maintaining muscle mass

To keep energy levels stable and reduce muscle loss, be sure to include a source of protein (fish, poultry, dairy products, nuts, legumes, eggs, or meat) with all meals and snacks.

Maintain a normal body mass index (BMI) of between 20–25. The BMI is calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height (m) squared (BMI = weight/height2).

Finally, take the time to savor each of your meals and read our Diet and treatments section for additional tips.

Discover our new animated videos
Discover three new animated videos, each equally unique and original from one to the other. Be on the lookout!
Here is the third one – The role of hormone therapy

Take the time to visit each of our pages on this website, as well as our YouTube channel, in order to get familiar with the disease with our expert lectures, our section on available resources, the support that is offered to you.

Do you have any questions or concerns? Above all, do not hesitate. Contact us at 1 855 899-2873 to discuss with a nurse specializing in uro-oncology. It’s simple and free, like all our services.

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Written by PROCURE. © All rights reserved – 2020