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Weight gain: How do you control weight gain on hormone therapy (ADT)?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 22, 2025 | Replies (50)Comment receiving replies
I have gained about 35 pounds since starting ADT. I'm 5'6" 72 years old, weigh 230 lbs. Mostly belly fat. Currently taking an ADT "holiday." Been off Lupron and Zytiga for about 4 months. Since starting ADT my physical activity has decreased, which I'm sure has contributed to the weight gain. At the same time my appitite and food intake has dramatically decreased. Just not hungry. I don't eat any crap food. My wife observes, "you eat like a bird." Given the dramatic decrease of food intake, I would expect to lose some weight, certainly not gain. Been thinking about talking to my doctor about taking some GLP-1 drugs.
Anyone else have a similar experience?
Replies to "I have gained about 35 pounds since starting ADT. I'm 5'6" 72 years old, weigh 230..."
I agree with all that @brianjarvis said - however GLP-1 meds give two prong punch !
Yes, they slow digestion and promote satiety but the second equally important effect is stimulation of more insulin production and regulation of glucose metabolism.
Since ADT directly slows and effect glucose metabolism , GLP could give @thoffman6709 nice contra effect.
For some people who develop really slow metabolism and naturally have low muscle mass, exercise can help but not to the extent that is needed.
Gain of whooping 35 pounds in 4 months with no increase in food intake is extraordinary and points to metabolic problem. I am not a doctor, but perhaps GLP can really help in this case and GLP has other benefits beside weight loss so if it was me, I would try it.
Yes. ADT changes your metabolism. Weight management, so that what you ate before may cause weight gain now. It's a tough one.
I lost 40 lb in hospital from post-surgical complications, then gained it all back (plus a little more) when my appetite finally returned a few months later.
@thoffman6709, I moved your question to this related discussion:
- Weight gain: How do you control weight gain on hormone therapy (ADT)?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weight-gain-4/
Also see this related discussion:
- Can GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic be used when taking hormone treatment? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic-be-used-when-taking-lupron-etc/
@thoffman6709, may I ask why the physical activities have dropped off? Fatigue due to treatment? Lack of interest? Life got in the way?
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Well before starting ADT (Eligard), my medical oncologist advised me about the possible and likely side-effects of hormone therapy (including weight gain due to the effects on metabolism), and how to minimize/avoid them.
So, I started a robust weightlifting and cardio program, as well as significantly modified my diet before the first injection. As a result, I lost 45 pounds during the 9 months the Eligard was in my system. (That crisis now past, I’ve put back on 20 of those lost 45 pounds…..hoping to maintain…..)
Are you tracking your caloric intake and calorie usage? Despite the decreased appetite and “eating like a bird,” you also mention “decreased activity”; it’s still often about a net increase in calories that results in weight gain.
GLP-1 medications work by mimicking your natural GLP-1 hormone to regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss by helping you feel fuller longer and reducing your appetite - but you already indicate that you’re not eating because you’re “just not hungry.”
Certainly something to discuss with your doctor.