Suresh Menon Suresh Menon Asked 9 months ago

Can multiple myeloma cause weight gain?

A family friend was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and I noticed he gained a significant amount of weight recently. I always thought cancer caused weight loss. Is it possible for multiple myeloma to cause weight gain?

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5 answers

Shalini Kutty Shalini Kutty Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
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Actually, multiple myeloma itself usually causes weight loss rather than weight gain. However, the steroid medications like dexamethasone that are commonly prescribed during treatment can cause significant fluid retention and increased appetite, leading to weight gain. Speak to your doctor if the swelling or gain is sudden.

Harish Rawat Harish Rawat Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I went through treatment for myeloma recently and faced this exact issue. It wasn't the cancer itself, but the high-dose steroids in my therapy cycle that made me put on a lot of water weight and face crazy food cravings. It does get better once the steroid doses are reduced.

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Consult a dietary specialist

Karan Sharma Karan Sharma Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Yes, while the disease itself usually causes weight loss, the steroid treatments like dexamethasone can definitely cause rapid weight gain.

Gurbaksh Singh Gurbaksh Singh Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

I have seen a close friend go through this treatment, and he gained quite some weight due to the steroids they gave him to manage the condition. Don't worry too much about the weight right now, focusing on your strength and finishing the treatment is what truly matters.

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Neha Kapoor Neha Kapoor Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

While weight loss is more typical with myeloma, those heavy steroid meds can definitely cause some fluid retention and weight gain! Keep your spirits high and discuss it with your oncology team, they can help manage the side effects.

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