Overeating and Increased Appetite During Cancer Treatment

By Meredy Birdi, Cancer Dietitian and Nutritional Therapist

Understanding Why Eating Patterns Change During Treatment

In workshops, I often hear people describe periods of overeating as binge snacking. It’s something that comes up for many people.

Cancer treatment places significant demands on the body and mind, and eating habits often change as a result. Sleep can be disrupted. Medications, particularly steroids, can increase appetite. Hormones fluctuate. Gut function can change. Stress, worry and fatigue all play a part.

You might notice cravings for certain foods, or find yourself eating in ways that don’t quite make sense to you. At times, it can feel as though your body is doing its own thing.

This isn’t about a lack of discipline or willpower. Often, there are physiological and emotional factors at play - usually more than one.

We can't always change everything that’s influencing it, but we can look at your eating patterns, meal balance and daily rhythm, and explore practical adjustments that may help.

In this article, I’ll outline some of the common drivers I see and practical ideas to consider.

Practical Ways to Approach Binge Snacking and Overeating

1. Medication Timing Matters

Steroids can affect several aspects of your wellbeing, like sleep, energy levels, and appetite. Many people describe feeling both “wired and tired”, which can impact cravings and food choices. If these effects are making things difficult, or if you feel your current schedule isn’t working, it’s worth talking to your treatment team about potential adjustments.

2. Are You Getting Enough Nutrition?

During cancer treatment, it’s common to cut out certain foods - whether it’s because you’re concerned about them, trying to make healthier choices, or simply don’t enjoy or can’t manage them anymore. However, this can sometimes mean you’re not getting enough of the nutrients your body needs to support your immune system, maintain muscle mass, and help you feel as well as possible.

If you’re feeling unusually tired, weak, or low, it could be a sign that your body isn’t getting - or absorbing - the nutrition it needs. Try to include a variety of nourishing foods, focusing on those rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.

If you’re unsure whether you’re meeting your nutritional needs, speak with your treatment team - a simple blood test can help identify issues like anaemia or other deficiencies that can be addressed. If intake is inconsistent, that’s something that can be worked through with structured support.

3. Keep a Regular Eating Routine

Letting yourself get too hungry can trigger cravings - your body responds by driving you to seek quick energy. Suddenly those biscuits, crisps, or cakes feel much harder to resist. Eating regular meals can help reduce the likelihood of those urgent dips in energy and make it easier to maintain a balanced approach to eating.

4. Build Balanced Meals

While making sure you’re getting enough to eat is essential, the balance of your meals also matters. Including protein, beneficial fats, and fibre helps stabilise your blood sugar and energy levels, supporting steady energy throughout the day. This can reduce sudden urges to snack.

Meals that rely on refined options - like white toast with jam or sugary cereals - may give you a quick burst of energy but won’t sustain you, leaving you feeling hungry and low in energy later. Focus on whole foods that nourish and sustain you for longer, such as:

• Protein: Eggs, lean chicken, turkey, tofu, fish, yoghurt, cottage cheese, and legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans.

• Beneficial fats: Avocado, nuts, seeds, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, and oily fish like salmon or mackerel.

• Fibre-rich options: Whole grains (like oats, quinoa, or brown rice), vegetables, fruits (especially with the skins on), and legumes.

For example, instead of white toast with jam, try wholegrain toast topped with chunky nut butter, some sliced banana, and a sprinkle of seeds. Or swap out a sugary cereal for overnight oats made with Greek yoghurt, chia seeds, and berries.

5. Hydration Helps (It’s Not Just About Water!)

Dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, so making sure you’re drinking enough is important. Staying hydrated also supports your energy levels and helps your body function at its best. It doesn’t have to be just plain water - tea and coffee count too and can be enjoyed hot or cold, like iced tea or coffee. Herbal teas can also be enjoyed hot or cold; a fruity flavour like berry makes a refreshing alternative to cordial. Infused water is another great option - try adding ingredients like strawberry and basil, cucumber and mint, or lemon and ginger for a natural flavour boost that also looks really appetising.

 

6. Pay Attention to Patterns

Notice when binge snacking tends to happen. Is it a certain time of day? Did you skip a meal or not eat enough protein at lunch? Are you running on too little sleep? Becoming aware of these patterns can help you make small adjustments that make a noticeable difference.

Also, take your time with meals - chew thoroughly, pause between bites, and give yourself a chance to properly digest and absorb the nutrients from your food.

7. Rethink Comfort Foods

Sugary snacks can provide quick comfort, but the energy dip that follows can leave you feeling worse. Instead of reaching for something sweet, try nourishing your body with balanced meals. Once you've taken care of your body, consider other ways to treat yourself or relax, such as:

• A warm bubble bath

• Watching a favourite film or show

• A walk in nature

• Curling up with a good book or puzzle

• Watching the sun set

8. Keep Moving

Movement improves insulin sensitivity, regulates appetite hormones, and supports sleep.

It does not need to be intense to be effective. Things like walking, stretching, or whatever feels good can make a real difference. Getting some natural light in the morning and moving can also help improve your sleep and overall energy. Every little bit helps!

9. Promote Restful Sleep

Sleep can be challenging during cancer treatment, and hormonal changes can make it harder, potentially contributing to cravings and overeating. Small adjustments to your routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and promote better sleep. Everyone’s sleep needs are different, but these gentle tips may help:

• Go to bed 30 minutes earlier: A gradual shift can give your body more time to rest.

• Limit screen time before bed: Avoid phones, emails, or social media for at least an hour before sleep.

• Create a calming routine: Consider activities like reading, journaling, or meditation to help you relax.

• Set the mood with soft lighting: Dimmed light helps your body produce melatonin, the hormone that signals it’s time to sleep.

• Pay attention to caffeine: Caffeine affects people differently. Some can drink it late without any issues, while others find it disrupts sleep or causes restlessness. If you notice it impacting your sleep, consider switching to non-caffeinated options in the afternoon and evening.

These simple steps support your body’s natural rhythm and promote restful sleep, which can also help manage those hunger signals more effectively.

10. Ways to Manage Stress

Stress and emotions can drive binge snacking, creating a cycle that's tough to break. When you're feeling overwhelmed, consider:

• A few minutes of deep breathing or meditation

• Stepping outside for fresh air

• A call with a friend

Some people also find structured psychological support helpful when emotional triggers are playing a role.

11. Set Your Environment Up for Success

If you find yourself reaching for snacks out of habit rather than hunger, consider keeping them out of sight or less accessible. You could place treats in a higher cupboard or only keep them on hand when you genuinely want them. 

12. Satisfying Sweet Treats

If you enjoy something sweet, you can make it a more nourishing choice. There are plenty of options that satisfy your cravings while supporting your body, like:

• Swirl stewed fruit with natural yoghurt, and top with nuts and seeds - your own ‘fruit corner’ (rhubarb is a personal favourite!)

• Chocolate bark or frozen yoghurt bark with fruit, nuts, and seeds

• Oats and nuts based crumble

• Dates filled with nut butter (great from the freezer!)

13. Rethink Sugar

Sugary drinks provide quick energy but very little nourishment. They don’t contain protein, fibre or the nutrients that help you feel satisfied.

They are often high in calories and easy to consume quickly, which can leave appetite and energy feeling less steady across the day. It’s sensible to limit how often they appear.

If you do have them, having them alongside food rather than on their own can help. And if sugar is something you routinely add to drinks or foods, gradually reducing the amount - or experimenting with cinnamon, vanilla, or whole fruit for sweetness - can be a practical place to start.

Overeating During Cancer Treatment Isn’t a Character Flaw

It’s information.

When we understand what’s driving it, such as medication timing, blood sugar swings, fatigue, restriction or stress, we can work with the body rather than against it. That’s the difference between reacting to cravings and stabilising them.

If you’d like tailored nutrition support, please feel free to get in touch. 

Last updated: February 2026

This blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for individual nutrition, dietetic, or medical advice.