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

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.

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.

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.

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.