Symptoms: Controlling Weight Loss

Weight loss is a common problem in individuals with cancer of the pancreas and/or after a Whipple procedure, the most common surgery for pancreatic cancer.  Weight loss can be associated with treatment or with the cancer itself. 

What is tumor-induced weight loss?

Tumor-induced weight loss, also known as cancer cachexia, is a complex problem that affects the way calories and protein are used in the body.  Cancer cachexia can cause the body to burn more calories than usual, break down muscle protein and at the same time decrease appetite.

Most pancreatic tumors release compounds called cytokines into the blood.  These cytokines change the body’s use of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates and fats).  In addition, cytokines cause the body to burn calories faster than they are replaced.  The body’s appetite is then suppressed causing decreased food intake.  This process leads to thinner bodies, smaller muscles and fatigue.  Weight loss and malnutrition can have a significant impact on quality of life, daily functioning, response to treatment, length of hospital stays and complications such as infections.

What steps can I take to minimize tumor-induced weight loss?

Though we are gaining knowledge about cancer cachexia, little is known about how to control or stop the process.  Nutrition counseling, use of oral nutrition supplements and use of appetite-stimulating medications may help patients with tumor-induced weight loss.  Controlling tumor growth through treatment such as chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy can also assist in controlling weight loss.

MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil is a nutrient which may help control weight loss in patients with uncontrolled malabsorption.  MCT oil is a calorie-rich type of fat that is rapidly absorbed by the body.  It is found naturally in coconut oil, palm kernel oil and butter.  MCT oil is added to some medical nutritional supplements and can be purchased alone as a nutritional supplement.  Use of oral nutritional supplements may promote weight gain, help increase strength and physical activity and improve quality of life.  A doctor or registered dietitian should advise the patient about taking MCT oil, the source and the amount.

The following tips may assist in controlling weight loss:

• Consult with a registered dietitian for nutrition counseling.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Plan to eat 5-6 times per day including snacks in between meals.
• Eat calorie-rich, nutrient-dense foods and try not to consume foods or liquids with little nutritional value, like soft drinks.
• Restrict or avoid any foods that may cause or worsen diarrhea.
• Use medical nutritional products, such as Boost®, Ensure® and Carnation® Instant Breakfast®, as snacks or drink with medications that can be taken with food.
• Consider use of pancreatic enzymes and take them as directed.
• Check with the doctor to see if medications would be helpful in controlling weight loss.
• Maintain adequate hydration.
• Incorporate physical activity into your day as it supports lean body mass, may enhance appetite and may decrease fatigue:
• Aim for a total of 30 minutes per day of activity, such as walking.
• Break activity into small increments of 5-10 minutes totaling 30 minutes per day.

Additional Resources
American Dietetic Association

American Dietetic Association: Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group

ConsumerLab.com

The information and services provided by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. are for informational purposes only.  The information and services are not intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  If you are ill, or suspect that you are ill, see a doctor immediately!  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network does not recommend nor endorse any specific physicians, products or treatments even though they may be mentioned on this site.  100903