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Suggest Ways To Reduce Weight While On Tamoxifen
Question: Hi , I am 56 menopausal probably, but on tamoxifen for ber pos breast ca. Had thyroid cancer and total thyroidectomy I 2009. I am consistently gaining weight. Now 11 stone. I walk 30 miles a week, eat approx 1500 calories a day. Is this too many calories, or is it the menopause. TFTs upper end of normal. Can you advise please
Brief Answer:
It is more likely your tamoxifen rather than menopause
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Weight management is one of the biggest health issues in humanity and losing weight is difficult for anyone, especially for women. As we age, our metabolism slows down. You have to eat fewer calories and exercise more to stay at the same weight over the course of your lifetime, even if you're perfectly healthy.
You have two major medical risk factors for weight problems- thyroid disease, and being on Tamoxifen. Unfortunately Tamoxifen causes weight gain in almost 10 percent of women taking the medication. Your thyroid hormone levels, if they are not high enough, also can contribute to weight gain.
So a 1500 calorie a day diet is very restrictive and is certainly a low-calorie diet. The best way to increase your metabolism, which is the healthiest way to lose weight, is to begin an exercise program. Walking is great, but if you do not walk fast enough to make you sweat, you may need something more aerobic like cycling or jogging to increase your heart rate to burn calories.
I would discuss your weight issues with your oncologist as well. He/she may have some solutions because many breast cancer survivors have similar issues and they may be able to recommend a nutritionist who can help you as well.
I hope this information was helpful, and that I adequately answered your question. Please feel free to contact me again if you need any further clarification or have more questions.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
It is more likely your tamoxifen rather than menopause
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
Weight management is one of the biggest health issues in humanity and losing weight is difficult for anyone, especially for women. As we age, our metabolism slows down. You have to eat fewer calories and exercise more to stay at the same weight over the course of your lifetime, even if you're perfectly healthy.
You have two major medical risk factors for weight problems- thyroid disease, and being on Tamoxifen. Unfortunately Tamoxifen causes weight gain in almost 10 percent of women taking the medication. Your thyroid hormone levels, if they are not high enough, also can contribute to weight gain.
So a 1500 calorie a day diet is very restrictive and is certainly a low-calorie diet. The best way to increase your metabolism, which is the healthiest way to lose weight, is to begin an exercise program. Walking is great, but if you do not walk fast enough to make you sweat, you may need something more aerobic like cycling or jogging to increase your heart rate to burn calories.
I would discuss your weight issues with your oncologist as well. He/she may have some solutions because many breast cancer survivors have similar issues and they may be able to recommend a nutritionist who can help you as well.
I hope this information was helpful, and that I adequately answered your question. Please feel free to contact me again if you need any further clarification or have more questions.
Best wishes, Dr. Brown
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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