Is Weight Gain A Sign Of Cancer?

Posted on Tue, 3 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 3 Apr 2018 Answered on

Thu, 8 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm a 26 year old male. I'm a little bit of a hypochondria. I have gained 4 lbs in the last month . I'm concerned it might be cancer. I just got back from vacation. I do have a bloated feeling, too.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cancer causes weight loss

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Cancer is associated with weight loss not weight gain so it is not likely that your gain is due to cancer.

Cancer is essentially abnormal and excessive growth of an aspect of the body. This excess growth utilizes the body's energy and causes weight loss.

It is one of the main complaints of a person suffering from cancer.

Weight gain is most common due to food and drinks intake and also relates to activity levels. Rarely it is due to issues with some hormones.

Bloating is usually due to - GERD (reflux), use of gas-producing foods, lactose intolerance or constipation.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar