I have breast lymphedema that gets worse with too much arm movement and better overnight. I need to lose weight as I’ve just been diagnosed as pre-diabetic. Will losing weight make any difference either way?
1 Like
Hi krtea
Thanks for posting.
Maintaining a healthy weight has a range of health benefits for everyone. For those who’ve had a diagnosis of breast cancer this can also include reducing your risk of the breast cancer coming back (recurrence).
We know that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing lymphoedema. However, there is less evidence that weight loss can help everyone with its management.
Despite this, many specialists recommend losing weight to achieve a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) to try and make both arm and breast lymphoedema easier to manage, alongside advice such as wearing a well-fitting full cup bra.
Part of the process of losing weight for most people is the use of physical exercise. Moving our bodies keeps lymph moving which is an important part of self-management of the condition.
You can read more about managing lymphoedema in our information via the link above as well as from the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN). The Pocket Medic also have a series of useful films specifically for those living with lymphoedema which cover many aspects of self-management and includes examples of exercises you can do at home.
Do talk to your treatment team or lymphoedema specialist (if you have one) for further advice. You can also call our helpline if you would like to talk this through more or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back .
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Catherine
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.