Weight gain on Letrozole

To Polgara and other weight gainers

Yes, I had just managed in the 3 months before starting the Letrozole (following chemo and mastectomy) to lose 2 stones in weight. Within 2, posssibly 3 weeks I had whammed that weight back on. I was still at that time doing 30 mins of cardio (for older people) and 45-60 minutes a day of walking. I was just turning 70 so well through menopause. I changed to exemestane and didn't add to the weight but haven't managed over a year to lose any either. I maintained my exercise levels up until 2-3 months ago when they dwindled due to increasing pain in both ankles and feet. I did have arthritis in one ankle before cancer but now it is in both plus other foot problems. If anyone has any magic formulas I would love to hear them. I am on a weight management programme Moor Life but without any success.  I find the huge fat tire above my once waistline the most distressing as it looks like my boobs have descended to there - I am now flat chested due to double mastectomy. 

Comical but life would be easier with more mobility and less weight to carry around.

Hi Rozalia,

Thanks for the posting, that's really interesting. I think I am going to go back to my doctor and say I have put on a lot of weight in the last two weeks etc, and also contact the Oncology department. I have tried posting on the ask an expert forum but the site won't currently let me. Anyway, I prefer the experience of the people who have actually had the disease like myself and are going through the "treatment". Toss up between having raised cholesterol and a heart attack from the excess weight and having to worry about the extra 4% chance of reoccurence if I stop this strange treatment. Hmmm food for thought. Good luck with your weight journey. x  

I am 68 and had a mastectomy a year ago plus  letrozole. My activity levels have not decreased and my diet has improved since then but I very gradually put on half a stone, all of it around my waist. I worry about the health impact of this as well as the fact my clothes don't fit.  I have managed to lose most of it, one pound to go, but it has been extremely hard work. I cut out all cake, pudding, sweeties, biscuits etc and processed carbohydrates in general and reduced portion size (sort of a cross between a blood sugar and mediterranean diet) and took up nordic walking. The weight loss has been so slow that I don't think either on their own would have worked. I walk a lot normally but not fast enough to have much impact on my weight - nordic walking enables me to walk further and faster with less joint impact. I now have a waist again but have plenty of scope within the normal weight range to lose more so I intend to lose another half stone to give myself a bit of leeway. I think the key is to increase the exercise now I am fitter as I don't fancy reducing the calories further. I am fortunate in that I haven't had chemo or radiotherapy and I have no other health issues and I really feel for everyone struggling with letrozole induced weight gain.  It especially annoys me when other people deny the very real biological basis for it and attribute it to comfort eating.

You are doing fantastic and I agree with you about not limiting your food intake anymore as you have done away with items that are not that high in nutrition.  The exercise and a healthy plant based/ Mediterranean approach to eating is sustainable.  Proud of you!

Barbara

Thank you Barbara. Just wanted people to know that it is possible to lose weight on letrozole but it is difficult and no one should beat themselves up about it.l

Hi can I just ask how long you took Letrozole before the weight gain began I have been taking it for just 3 months and so far so good but perhaps it takes time to happen? X

I have been taking letrozole since last September and the weight crept on very gradually and I didn't really notice until I suddenly realised I had no waist and a definite belly - exactly the same as menopause weight gain - two or three months ago. It might not happen to you though; it seems to affect people very differently without any obvious reasons. I am fortunate that I don't have the awful joint pain and other side effects that some get (at the moment anyway).

Thanks for reply I have had joint pain since May but is settling a bit now. Will have to wait and see how it goes I guess got 10 years hey? X