Question about weight loss and cancer

[JADIII]

So for some reason (health anxiety) I've convinced myself that if I lose weight then I must have a cancer in my body causing it. Here's my odd scenario.

So I'm about 6-3 and 230 which is not morbidly obese but bigger than I should be. I would like to get to around 205. I stopped drinking around New Years day so I evened out a bit with weight as I was up to 234 the day after NYE. I know that quitting drinking and changing nothing else will help lose weight which is great. I step on the scale every day and for some reason, when I stay at 230 I'm almost happy because it means maybe I don't have cancer (f*cking stupid). So I'll tend to eat more the night before to keep my weight up even though I'm not drinking and running around a half hour a day. What I should do is just focus on eating and break through the barrier of 230 and start to lose the weight but something in my head wont let me because of this cancer scare.

I even went on line and researched this and see the following.

According to the American Cancer Society, unexplained weight loss is often the first noticeable symptom of cancers of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and lung.

Even with the above I just had an endoscopy about 5 months ago for my Celiac check up and there was no cancer so this takes care of the esophagus and the stomach. I also had an ultrasound of my pancreas and kidney about 6 months ago which were fine and to cap it off, I just had an X ray two weeks ago for pneumona which was clear.

If anyone can help, please give me some advice as I'm having an issue getting over this wall and just thinking like a regular person that wants to lose weight but can't because of this brain of mine.

Thanks!

 

[bin_tenn]

Weight loss with a cause such as cancer is generally extreme. Doing everything the same way you always have, and suddenly you drop a significant amount of weight in 30 days or less, despite nothing changing in your activity or diet. Besides, many people are diagnosed with cancer with virtually no weight loss. My dad had esophageal cancer, and didn't really start losing weight until the later stages.

 

[URfine]

You said you quit drinking . I can lose 5 lbs in a week doing that. When I start feeling anxious I use the EAT acronym . Evidence - is there really evidence of disease ? Alternative: Could there be an alternative explanation for losing weight ( quit drinking ) . Track Record - have I obsessed like this before and turned out ok ? Anyway , it works for me most of the time - and stay off the medical symptom sites URFine

 

[JADIII]

Good reply, thanks. Any other people that have some info, I'm happy to listen and absorb.

 

[FlipperK]

Weight loss with a cause such as cancer is generally extreme. Doing everything the same way you always have, and suddenly you drop a significant amount of weight in 30 days or less, despite nothing changing in your activity or diet. Besides, many people are diagnosed with cancer with virtually no weight loss. My dad had esophageal cancer, and didn't really start losing weight until the later stages.

^^^^
I watched a doctor on YouTube make a comment that losing 5-10 pounds isn’t really an issue. It’s when you lose 30+ pounds and nothing explain it is when you need to see a doctor.

If your making healthier eating choices and exercising a little, that will explain any weight loss.

but I know what you mean. I am at 210 trying to be at 180 and when I start losing weight (even when I am trying) that thought comes in my head.

At the end of the day, eating healthier is something you should do, even if you had cancer.

 

[Ms.Honey]

I totally know what you mean- when I’m working out a lot, trying to lose weight, I end up sabotaging myself because I’m scared that losing weight will signify that I have cancer. It’s really messed up.

 

[matisworried]

for starters, stop weighing yourself daily. it's not healthy in terms of weight loss and it's not healthy in terms of your anxiety either. our bodies fluctuate daily due to things like water retention, the time of day you weigh yourself, whether you've used the bathroom or not... heck... even weighing yourself after you've taken a shower can impact the number you see on the scale.

i've worked with clients who have been diagnosed with cancer, one of which recently passed. as a result, i attended many appointments with many specialists. when doctors talk about rapid weight loss, they're talking about people losing 10 pounds in a week for no reason... or dropping 30 pounds in a month despite sitting on the couch all day drinking mountain dew and eating nachos.

 

[URfine]

I totally know what you mean- when I’m working out a lot, trying to lose weight, I end up sabotaging myself because I’m scared that losing weight will signify that I have cancer. It’s really messed up.

It’s not messed up . It’s Health Anxiety. Hang in there and keep working on the HA

 

[Jcsvip37]

I can totally relate...