Why Weight Loss Feels So Difficult After Breast Cancer—And What You Can Do About It

If you’re a breast cancer survivor struggling to lose weight, you are not alone—and you're definitely not imagining it.

In fact, one of the most common frustrations I hear from survivors is:

“Why can’t I lose weight after cancer, no matter what I do?”

The truth is, there are several reasons weight loss feels harder after breast cancer—and most of them are completely out of your control. But the good news? There are ways to work with your body instead of against it.

Let’s break it down.

1. Hormone Disruption Changes Everything

Cancer treatments—especially for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers—can send your hormones into chaos. Many women are pushed into early menopause, experience a drop in estrogen, or deal with long-term endocrine therapy (like Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors).

These hormonal shifts can:

• Slow your metabolism
•  Increase fat storage (especially around the belly)
•  Disrupt hunger and fullness signals

If you feel like your body isn’t responding like it used to—this could be why.

2. Medications Like Tamoxifen Can Make It Harder

Medications used in treatment or for recurrence prevention often have weight gain as a side effect. They can also affect your energy levels, sleep, mood, and appetite—all of which make weight loss more challenging.

This isn’t your fault. It’s your body adapting to a lot of change.

3. Fatigue, Emotional Eating, and Feeling Stuck

Cancer treatment is exhausting—physically and emotionally. That exhaustion doesn’t always disappear when treatment ends.

Post-treatment fatigue can make exercise feel impossible. Anxiety around recurrence may lead to emotional eating. And if food was your comfort during a scary time? That’s normal, too.

But here’s the important part: healing and change can happen. You just need the right tools.

So What Can You Do?

You don’t need to overhaul your life or follow a restrictive diet. Here are four simple but powerful steps to support your weight loss and breast health:

1. Prioritize Protein at Every Meal

Protein helps keep you full, stabilizes blood sugar, and prevents muscle loss.

• Add eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, or wild salmon to meals
• Aim for at least 20g per meal

2. Add More Fiber

Fiber supports digestion, balances hormones, and promotes fullness.

• Choose high-fiber foods like lentils, berries, flaxseeds, and broccoli
• Try adding chia seeds or veggies to your meals and snacks

3. Move in a Way That Feels Good

You don’t need to live at the gym. Walking, stretching, or 10-minute strength sessions count.

• Start with short walks after meals
• Build from there based on your energy level
  
  

4. Improve Your Sleep

Poor sleep = more cravings, more stress, and harder weight loss.

• Wind down with a screen-free routine
• Try a sleep mask, white noise, or magnesium if needed
• Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep
  
  

Weight Loss After Breast Cancer Isn’t Hopeless—You Just Need a New Approach

Weight loss after breast cancer is different. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Your body has been through so much. It deserves support, not punishment. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and give yourself grace along the way.

Want step by step guidance to help you start making small changes that not only lead to weight loss but also help reduce your risk of a recurrence?

I created the Weight Loss for Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program to help with just that!

Enrollment for the program will be opening soon, and you can get on the waitlist now by clicking here:

JOIN THE WAITLIST

You’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone.