Info
⚖️ Weight loss
What it is, what helps, and when to seek medical help.
General guidance only; it does not replace medical advice. Talk to your medical team before any decision about your treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Weight loss: what is it and why does it happen?
Unintentional weight loss is common in cancer and can be caused by loss of appetite, a faster metabolism, or poor absorption of nutrients. Keeping your weight up matters for tolerating treatment and for recovery.
Weight loss: what helps?
- Increase calorie density without increasing volume: add olive oil, butter, nuts or cheese to your food.
- Replace water with whole milk or liquid supplements in your dishes (porridge, pudding, smoothies).
- 5–6 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.
- Do not avoid fats — they are the most concentrated source of calories.
- See a dietitian who specializes in oncology if the weight loss continues.
Weight loss: when should you seek medical help?
Losing more than 5% of your body weight in 1 month, or 10% in 6 months — ask for an urgent nutritional assessment and a discussion with your oncologist.
When to seek help
Losing more than 5% of your body weight in 1 month, or 10% in 6 months — ask for an urgent nutritional assessment and a discussion with your oncologist.
See all warning signsRecipes that suit Weight loss
40 recipes chosen for this symptom, with prep time and steps.
Banana-oat smoothie
A filling, easy-to-drink smoothie, ideal for days with low appetite or trouble swallowing.
Cream of vegetable soup with yogurt
A smooth texture that is easy to swallow, dense in calories and protein. It can be made with vegetables you tolerate well.
Soft omelette with toast
Quality protein, a very soft texture, easy to chew. A quick and comforting serving.
Yogurt bowl with honey and almonds
A quick breakfast or snack, rich in protein and healthy fats. A creamy texture that is easily accepted.
Avocado toast with poached egg
A breakfast dense in calories and protein, with healthy fats. A combined texture: creamy from the avocado, soft from the egg.
Protein pudding with cocoa
Tastes sweet, dense in protein, easy to accept when appetite is low. It is prepared in advance.
Strawberry smoothie with yogurt
A refreshing, protein-rich smoothie, ideal for breakfast or a quick snack.
Avocado cocoa smoothie
A creamy, calorie-dense smoothie with a chocolate taste. Excellent for gaining weight.
Almond and date smoothie
An energizing smoothie, naturally sweetened by dates, with no added sugar. Rich in healthy calories.
Cream of red lentil soup
A nourishing soup, rich in plant protein and iron. Soft texture, easy to digest.
Cream of sweet potato soup
A sweet, fragrant soup, rich in beta-carotene and natural calories.
Baked salmon with lemon
Salmon rich in omega-3, easy to cook and to chew. Excellent for recovery.
Soft polenta with cheese
Creamy polenta with melted cheese — traditional Romanian comfort food, easy to swallow.
Baked egg and vegetable pudding
A soft, protein-rich pudding baked in the oven with soft vegetables and eggs.
Turkey meatballs in soup
Soft turkey meatballs in a clear soup — protein-rich, easy to chew and comforting.
Pasta with olive oil and parmesan
Simple, calorie-rich pasta that is easy to make when energy is low. The perfect base for hard days.
Pumpkin risotto
Creamy risotto with pumpkin, easy to chew and pleasantly fragrant. An ideally soft texture.
Cod with mashed potatoes
A classic, easy-to-chew combination: boiled or baked cod with creamy mash.
Spinach and ricotta pasta
Creamy pasta with spinach and ricotta — rich in calcium and protein, soft and pleasant.
Chicken and vegetable rice pilaf
Soft pilaf with chicken and well-cooked vegetables — nourishing and easy to chew.
Baked sweet potato with cheese
Baked sweet potato, soft on the inside, served with cheese and herbs. Simple and nutritious.
Banana with peanut butter
A quick snack, calorie-dense, with protein and healthy fats. Perfect when appetite is minimal.
Cottage cheese with fruit
A light, protein-rich and refreshing snack. Cottage cheese digests well and is tolerated even without appetite.
Almond and date energy bites
No-bake bites, naturally sweet and calorie-rich, easy to pack or eat between meals.
Fruit smoothie bowl
A thick smoothie served in a bowl, with soft toppings. More nourishing than a regular smoothie.
Avocado mousse with cocoa
A creamy mousse with a chocolate taste, rich in healthy fats, dairy-free.
Yogurt parfait with berries
A layered dessert with creamy yogurt and fruit — pretty to look at and easy to prepare.
Whole grain pancakes
Fluffy pancakes made from whole grain flour, rich in fiber and more filling than the classic ones.
Scrambled eggs with soft vegetables
A classic protein breakfast with soft eggs and stewed vegetables — energizing and easy to tolerate.
Oat porridge with fruit and nuts
A warm and filling porridge with fruit and nuts — a complete breakfast, rich in energy.
Toast with ricotta and berries
Soft toast with creamy ricotta and fruit — an elegant breakfast that is easy to accept.
Soft French toast
Fluffy, creamy French toast, rich in protein and carbs — a filling breakfast.
Tuna and avocado salad
A light, protein-rich and creamy salad, served on soft bread or on its own. Quick and nourishing.
Rice with lentils (simplified Mujaddara)
A complete plant-based protein combination with a soft texture, nourishing and easy to tolerate.
Quinoa with vegetables
Quinoa — a complete plant protein — with soft steamed vegetables. Nutritious and light.
Warm potato salad with eggs
A simple, nourishing warm salad — boiled potatoes with hard-boiled eggs, lightly seasoned.
Cottage cheese bowl with vegetables
A light meal with cottage cheese and soft vegetables — protein-rich, cold, and welcome at any time of day.
High-protein chicken and bean bowl
A protein-dense combination with chicken, beans and rice — ideal for maintaining muscle mass.
High-protein Greek yogurt and seed bowl
A quick, protein-rich bowl — Greek yogurt with chia seeds, flax and dried fruit.
Tuna pasta salad
A hearty tuna pasta salad, easy to prepare and nourishing.