What is cachexia?
Cancer cachexia is a syndrome of ongoing muscle loss, often with fat loss, driven by inflammation and metabolic change. Eating more calories alone doesn't fix it.
Early screening matters
Losing more than 5% of body weight in six months, losing strength, or losing appetite should prompt a nutrition assessment straight away.
Nutrition priorities
Enough protein spread through the day, energy-dense small meals, omega-3 fats and attention to symptoms that block eating, such as nausea and taste changes.
Movement preserves muscle
Gentle resistance activity, approved by your care team, helps the body use protein to keep muscle.
Cachexia is not ordinary weight loss
Cachexia is driven by inflammation and changed metabolism, so muscle is lost even when someone eats. Simple malnutrition, by contrast, improves mainly with more food.
Warning signs
Unplanned weight loss, weaker grip, clothes becoming loose, low appetite and tiredness are early signs to report to your care team.
How nutrition support helps
A structured approach works best:
- Track weight, intake and muscle strength
- Make food easier — small, frequent, soft meals
- Prioritise protein and total calories
- Use supplements only with medical advice
- Manage nausea, pain and taste changes alongside diet
Movement matters too
Gentle resistance exercise, as advised by your doctor or physiotherapist, helps preserve muscle.
Frequently asked questions
Can cachexia be reversed?
Early, combined nutrition and medical support can slow or stabilise muscle loss. Results vary from person to person.
How much protein is needed?
Needs are often higher during cancer treatment. Your target should be worked out for you individually.
Can cachexia be reversed?
Early support can slow or stabilise muscle loss; results depend on the cancer and treatment.
Written by Dr. Jai Vora. This article is for education only. Speak with your doctor before changing medication, diet or treatment.