How to Lose Weight While on Tamoxifen

The drug tamoxifen has emerged as an important part of breast cancer treatment. It is used as both a primary and supplemental choice for treating breast tumors. Tamoxifen works against the estrogen that helps breast cancer thrive. Losing weight on tamoxifen may present a challenge due to the lethargy and depression that sometimes stems from use of this drug and chemotherapy for breast cancer.

Try to lose the mindset that tamoxifen is responsible for the weight gain. There is a distinct possibility that any weight gained could be due to the chemotherapy preceding the tamoxifen. Placebo testing has not demonstrated that tamoxifen causes weight gain.

Set realistic goals. Discuss weight loss with an oncologist and ask about healthy weights for your body type and shape. Set a start date for the new weight loss and diet plan -- but don't get wrapped up in semantics. Think of it as the start to a new, healthier you.

Control daily caloric intake. MayoClinic.com suggests that calorie counting is an effective weight-loss strategy. You have to eat fewer calories to lose weight. The oncologist should be able to provide a healthy daily calorie goal for you -- stick to it.

Get out to the garden, mow the lawn or take a brisk walk. Exercise is a vital part of any weight-loss strategy. If the tamoxifen is causing fatigue, which is a common side effect, exercise may combat it. Start off with 10 minutes of exercise three times a day -- this will add up to the recommended 150 minutes of exercise weekly.