Diet and exercise. I’ve always been (what they call) a meat and potatoes kind of guy. And after decades of being athletic, but not so much anymore - but still maintaining the same caloric intake - has packed on the pounds.

My urologist told me that no matter which treatment I chose - surgery or radiation - the outcome would likely be better if I lost some weight. With that goal in mind……

Diet —> They say that a heart-healthy diet is a prostate-healthy diet.
> I decreased red meats, increased fish, salads, added more fruits, vegetables, and grains/nuts, cut out soft drinks, cut back on processed foods, and made other tweaks here and there.
> I also added a protein/fruit smoothie every morning, and a protein bar & two energy bars every day. (I think that was helpful in sustaining energy and endurance during the months of low-testosterone.)

Exercise —> I also ramped-up my weightlifting and cardio programs (both jogging and swimming). That was necessary for maintain my muscle tone, strength, cardio.

> Every day beginning a month prior to my first Eligard injection, and immediately following each of my 28 radiation sessions, through my 2nd (& final) Eligard injection, and until my testosterone returned to normal, I hit the gym 6 days/week. I mostly did multi-joint exercises that utilize the body’s largest muscle groups: squat, deadlift, bench press, row, overhead press, and lat pulldown, for 1-1/2 hours each day. On alternating days, I would add some cardio - either jog 3-4 miles or swim 35-45 minutes.

On the 7th day I rested….. All things considered, I got through the hormone therapy well.

ADT has significant metabolic effects, and it takes a lot to counter that - resistance-training exercise has been demonstrated to counter many of those side-effects. Otherwise the weight will certain pack on, and all the other ADT side-effects you read about will manifest themselves.