Calories and protein are nutrients of concern given the impact metabolic changes and can- cer treatments can have on nutritional status and that significant weight loss is linked to poor prognosis. Calorie needs may range from 25 to 30 cal/kg for nonambulatory or sed- entary adults to 35 cal/kg or more for hypermetabolic or severely stressed patients. Protein needs range from 1.0 to 2.5 g/kg. Despite general guidelines for how much protein and calories may be needed, in practice, the challenge may be to simply get patients to eat enough to avoid weight loss. Strategies to maximize intake include getting the patient to
■ Eat more food, which is not a realistic option for most people experiencing anorexia, nausea, or other side effects of cancer or cancer treatments.