Khanh received a diagnosis of early-stage, non-metastatic breast cancer and doctors prescribed pre-surgical chemotherapy at a local hospital. After six months, she gained 26 kg due to medication side effects. Doctors advised her to lose weight to control her body mass index (BMI), reduce fatigue, and improve treatment efficacy.

Upon arriving at Tam Anh General Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh weighed 86 kg and was 1.54 m tall. She had grade two obesity, amenorrhea, dyslipidemia, and visceral fat nearly two times the safe limit. Doctor Lam Van Hoang, Head of the Department of Endocrinology - Diabetes, explained that common early-stage breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, steroids, and hormones, can cause weight gain. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells but also causes the body to retain water, and fatigue discourages physical activity.

Medication side effects, such as nausea, altered eating habits, affecting metabolism and reducing calorie burning. Steroid medications, often prescribed with chemotherapy to reduce inflammation and pain, also stimulate appetite, according to Doctor Hoang.

Dr. Hoang advises Khanh on weight loss. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Excessive weight gain impacts breast cancer treatment efficacy. Excess fat promotes inflammation, raising the risk of recurrence or worsening breast cancer metastasis. Accumulated fat cells increase hormone levels, causing insulin resistance.

"Weight loss helps lower estrogen and insulin levels, cutting off the tumor's energy supply, reducing drug resistance, and improving treatment effectiveness," Doctor Hoang explained. Doctors developed a personalized obesity treatment plan for Khanh, aiming for gradual weight loss without affecting her physical strength or cancer treatment regimen.

Khanh used weight loss medication combined with a balanced diet: This included plenty of green vegetables, low-sugar fruits, whole grains (brown rice, oats), and lean protein (chicken breast, fish, tofu). She minimized sugar, animal fat, and processed foods.

She needed to reduce at least 500 calories from her daily food intake, dividing her meals into 5-6 small portions. Each day, she exercised for 15-30 minutes by walking, aiming to maintain 8,000-10,000 steps.

After three months, Khanh lost a total of 9 kg, responded better to cancer medication, and the tumor did not worsen. Doctors are now considering tumor removal surgery.

Duc Hanh

*Patient's name has been changed