Effects of a structured group intervention on obesity among breast cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for developing breast cancer and poor cancer-related outcomes. Endocrine therapy is a key part of treatment for breast cancer, but can result in weight gain. This study examined the efficacy of a structured group intervention during adjuvant endocrine therapy for obese patients with breast cancer. The intervention involved a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, and group coaching.

METHODS

Participants were patients with breast cancer who were undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy and exhibited apparent weight gain while undergoing therapy, or had a diagnosis of abnormal lipid metabolism. We conducted a single-arm prospective study with a combined intervention. The intervention comprised 15 min of nutrition education, a 30-min group health coaching program, and three 45-min group aerobic exercise sessions. We evaluated participants' parameters (e.g., body weight, body mass index [BMI], cholesterol, psychological distress) at baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

At 1 month after the intervention, there were significant reductions in body weight (p < 0.01), BMI (p < 0.01), triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), total cholesterol levels (p < 0.01), psychological distress (p < 0.05), and cancer-related fatigue (p < 0.01). At 3 and 6 months after the intervention, we observed further reductions in body weight, BMI, and triceps skinfold thickness.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that a short-term structured intervention helped modify dietary and exercise behaviors and promote health among breast cancer survivors, and resulted in favorable changes in participants' body weight.