Weight gain after treatment for prostate cancer

This is quite a difficult question to answer because there aren’t any studies looking specifically at this question. Some studies have looked at quality of life after treatment for prostate cancer and these do identify several common side effects from surgical treatment. But we’ve not been able to find any mention of weight gain in these studies. So it’s unlikely that having a prostatectomy alone would significantly increase a man’s weight.

Most people need to adjust psychologically to having had cancer and this may show itself in a change in eating habits or lifestyle. Some men may feel less like exercising for a while after surgery, which could account for a bit of weight gain.

As well as surgery, doctors also use hormonal treatments to treat prostate cancer. These are known to cause weight gain. So if you’re taking hormone treatment, this could explain your increase in weight. Men who gain weight because of this kind of treatment can find it difficult to lose the weight, even after they stop the treatment.

Diet and prostate cancer is still the subject of a lot of research. It may be that dietary factors play a part in the development or growth of the cancer in some way. But we don’t yet know this for sure, and if so, how it might happen. For now the main advice to a man who has had prostate cancer is to eat healthily and try to maintain a healthy weight.

Eating a low fat, well balanced diet and taking regular exercise can help to maintain a sensible weight. But it can be tricky to know how far to go in adopting a healthy lifestyle. We all need to enjoy life and for some people enjoying their food really contributes to their wellbeing. There is information about the right weight for you in CancerHelp UK. And information about healthy eating on the Cancer Research UK news and resources website. You may also find it helpful to read our information about living with prostate cancer in our prostate cancer section.

Lastly, we would suggest that you have a chat with your doctor or nurse about your weight gain. They understand your individual case and may have some more definite answers about why you have put on weight. Your doctor may refer you to a dietician who can provide specialist advice on how to lose weight and eat a healthy diet.