Project description:PurposeComorbid medical conditions are common among breast cancer survivors, contribute to poorer long-term survival and increased overall mortality, and may be ameliorated by weight loss. This secondary analysis evaluated the impact of a weight loss intervention on comorbid medical conditions immediately following an intervention (12 months) and 1-year postintervention (24 months) using data from the Exercise and Nutrition to Enhance Recovery and Good health for You (ENERGY) trial-a phase III trial which was aimed at and successfully promoted weight loss.MethodsENERGY randomized 692 overweight/obese women who had completed treatment for early stage breast cancer to either a 1-year group-based behavioral intervention designed to achieve and maintain weight loss or to a less intensive control intervention. Minimal support was provided postintervention. New medical conditions, medical conditions in which non-cancer medications were prescribed, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits, were compared at baseline, year 1, and year 2. Changes over time were analyzed using chi-squared tests, Kaplan-Meier, and logistic regression analyses.ResultsAt 12 months, women randomized to the intervention had fewer new medical conditions compared to the control group (19.6 vs. 32.2 %, p < 0.001); however, by 24 months, there was no longer a significant difference. No difference was observed in each of the four conditions for which non-cancer medications were prescribed, hospital visits, or emergency visits at either 12 or 24 months.ConclusionsThese results support a short-term benefit of modest weight loss on the likelihood of comorbid conditions; however, recidivism and weight regain likely explain no benefit at 1-year postintervention follow-up.
Project description:Women who are obese at the time of breast cancer diagnosis have higher overall mortality than normal weight women and some evidence implicates adiponectin and leptin as contributing to prognostic disadvantage. While intentional weight loss is thought to improve prognosis, its impact on these adipokines is unclear. This study compared the pattern of change in plasma leptin and adiponectin in overweight-to-obese post-menopausal breast cancer survivors during weight loss. Given the controversies about what dietary pattern is most appropriate for breast cancer control and regulation of adipokine metabolism, the effect of a low fat versus a low carbohydrate pattern was evaluated using a non-randomized, controlled study design. Anthropometric data and fasted plasma were obtained monthly during the six-month weight loss intervention. While leptin was associated with fat mass, adiponectin was not, and the lack of correlation between leptin and adiponectin concentrations throughout weight loss implies independent mechanisms of regulation. The temporal pattern of change in leptin but not adiponectin was affected by magnitude of weight loss. Dietary pattern was without effect on either adipokine. Mechanisms not directly related to dietary pattern, weight loss, or fat mass appear to play dominant roles in the regulation of circulating levels of these adipokines.
Project description:BackgroundExcess adiposity is a risk factor for poorer cancer survival, but there is uncertainty over whether losing weight reduces the risk. We conducted a critical review of the literature examining weight loss and mortality in overweight or obese cancer survivors.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE for articles reporting associations between weight loss and mortality (cancer-specific or all-cause) in overweight/obese patients with obesity-related cancers. Where available, data from the same studies on non-overweight patients were compared.ResultsFive articles describing observational studies in breast cancer survivors were included. Four studies reported a positive association between weight loss and mortality in overweight/obese survivors, and the remaining study observed no significant association. Results were similar for non-overweight survivors. Quality assessment indicated high risk of bias across studies.ConclusionsThere is currently a lack of observational evidence that weight loss improves survival for overweight and obese cancer survivors. However, the potential for bias in these studies is considerable and the results likely reflect the consequences of disease-related rather than intentional weight loss. There is a need for stronger study designs, incorporating measures of intentionality of weight loss, and extended to other cancers.
Project description:BackgroundObesity is associated with worse breast cancer prognosis, however little is known about the level of weight loss required to improve pathway biomarkers. The effects of weight regain on biomarkers are also largely unknown.MethodsOverweight/obese breast cancer survivors enrolled in an 18-month behavioral weight loss trial provided weight and serum biomarkers [leptin, adiponectin, insulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), IL-6, TNFα, and hepatocyte growth factor HGF] at baseline, 6, and 18 months (n = 138). Change in biomarkers over time and by weight loss thresholds were examined.ResultsMean weight loss at 6 months was 13.3 ± 5.0 kg; from 6 to 18 months, mean regain was 4.0 ± 5.2 kg. Favorable biomarker modulations were observed at 6 months for leptin, adiponectin, insulin, PAI-1, IL-6, and HGF (P < 0.006 to P < 0.0001). These changes remained significant overall at 18 months despite attenuation in some. Women who lost <10% of baseline weight showed significantly smaller modulation effects for leptin (P < 0.0001), adiponectin:leptin (A/L) ratio (P < 0.0001), PAI-1 (P < 0.001), and insulin (P = 0.003) compared with women who lost >10%. Women who lost >10% observed a significant increase in adiponectin (P < 0.0001), and these women continued to show improved adiponectin from 6 to 18 months despite weight regain. Physical activity contributed additional effects on biomarker change for leptin, A/L ratio, and PAI-1.ConclusionsThese findings are consistent with a clinical target of 10% weight.ImpactSustained increases in adiponectin likely confer benefits for breast cancer prognosis even with weight regain.
Project description:OBJECTIVE:We examined the socio-economic differential in the self-perception of body weight, future intention for weight management and actual weight-management behaviour among normal-weight, overweight and obese women in India. DESIGN:A population-based follow-up survey of ever-married women, systematically selected from the second round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2, 1998-99) samples, who were re-interviewed after four years in 2003. SETTING:Information on women's perception about their own weight, intention of weight management and actual weight-management behaviour were collected through personal interview. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from women to compute their current BMI. SUBJECTS:Three hundred and twenty-five ever-married women aged 20-54 years residing in the national capital territory of Delhi in India. RESULTS:Discrepancy between self-perceived body weight and women's actual body weight was reported. One-quarter of overweight women and one in ten obese women perceived themselves as normal weight. Although a majority of overweight and obese women wanted to reduce their weight, a significant proportion of overweight (one in four) and 4 % of obese women also wanted to maintain their weight as it is. Only one in three overweight and one in four obese women were performing any physical activity to reduce their weight. CONCLUSIONS:These findings are important for public health interventions in obesity care. Implementation of health promotion and health education in the community should use effective school education and mass-media programmes to raise awareness of appropriate body weight to combat the growing level of obesity among Indian women.
Project description:PurposeIn pre-planned observational analysis of the POWER-remote trial, we examined the impact of weight loss on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesized a priori that survivors with ≥ 5% weight loss would have improved physical function (PF) at 6 months vs. those who did not.MethodsPatients with stage 0-III breast cancer who completed local therapy and chemotherapy with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 were randomized to POWER-remote (telephone coaching; diet/activity tracking) or self-directed weight loss (booklet). Participants completed PROs at baseline, 6, and 12 months: PROMIS PF, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep; FACT-endocrine symptoms; MOS-sexual function. Changes in PROs among those with ≥ 5% weight loss vs. those with < 5% were tested with multivariable mixed effect models, across randomized groups.ResultsOf 94 women who completed PROs, 84 and 69 participants were evaluable at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Regardless of intervention, PF improved in those with ≥ 5% weight loss vs. those with < 5% at 6 months (4.4 vs. 0.3 points; p = 0.02) and 12 months (3.6 vs. 0 points; p = 0.04). While endocrine symptoms, fatigue, and anxiety improved at 6 months in those who lost ≥ 5%, differences were not significant vs. those who lost < 5%. There was no significant change within or between groups in sexual function, depression, or sleep. Findings at 12 months were similar, except pain improved in those losing ≥ 5%.ConclusionsThese results support the benefits of weight loss in overweight/obese breast cancer survivors.Implications for cancer survivorsWeight management in breast cancer survivors may improve PF.
Project description:BackgroundMost women with breast cancer experience a progressive weight gain during and after treatment. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of recurrence, contralateral breast cancer, and death. Physical activity after cancer diagnosis has been reported to have positive effects on body composition and quality of life. We present the protocol of the InForma study, a trial testing the efficacy of an intervention on weight loss (≥5 % of the baseline body weight) in a group of overweight or obese breast cancer survivors.Methods/designThis is a four-arm randomized controlled trial. Patients will receive a 6-month intervention and be followed for a further 18 months. Intervention is designed to improve adherence to a healthy diet and/or to increase physical activity, taking advantage of a wrist-based activity monitor. Participants will be recruited among overweight or obese breast cancer patients treated at the European Institute of Oncology, after completion of eventual adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. It is envisaged that 260 patients will be randomized into four arms: Dietary Intervention; Physical Activity Intervention; Physical Activity and Dietary Intervention; and Less Intensive Intervention. Women will be offered individualized counseling consisting of face-to face discussion and phone calls in addition to group meetings. A motivational interviewing approach will be used to encourage health behavior change. All participants will be given a pedometer device to monitor their physical activity. Participants' dietary intake will be repeatedly assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Participants' quality of life and anxiety will be assessed with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaires. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and follow-up visits to assess lipid and hormone profiles. Body composition will be repeatedly assessed using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis for identifying changes of fat and fat-free mass. Women allocated to the less intensive intervention arm will be considered as the control group.DiscussionWhile there is a rising concern about the role of obesity in cancer recurrence and survival, this trial with its multi-arm design, motivational approach and use of a pedometer device will provide important insights regarding the most effective approach in promoting weight control in breast cancer survivors.Trial registrationISRCTN53325751 (registration date: 16 October 2015); ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02622711 (registration date: 2 December 2015).
Project description:BackgroundBreast cancer survivors have double the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease than age-matched women without a cancer history. Reynolds risk score (RRS) is a validated algorithm for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk. This secondary analysis sought to examine the effects of a 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention on RRS in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors.Methods and resultsOne hundred overweight or obese (BMI > 25 kg/m2) breast cancer survivors were randomized to exercise or usual care. The exercise group underwent aerobic and resistance exercise sessions for 16 weeks. RRS was calculated using a validated equation. Group differences in mean change for RRS were evaluated using repeated-measures analyses of variance. Post-intervention, RRS was significantly reduced (7.9 ± 0.9% to 1.0 ± 0.5%; p < 0.001) in the exercise group compared to a significant increase (9.0 ± 0.8% to 11.6 ± 1.2%; p = 0.002%) in the usual care group (p < 0.01). RRS was significantly reduced in exercise vs usual care (between group difference, - 10.6; 95% CI, - 16.3 to - 7.4; p < 0.001).ConclusionA 16-week aerobic and resistance exercise intervention is an effective approach to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. Exercise during cancer survivorship should be considered to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease risk in overweight women breast cancer survivors.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01140282 . Registered 9 June 2010.
Project description:BackgroundWeight gain often occurs after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis and obesity along with sedentary behavior are associated with increased risk of BC recurrence and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether a significant weight loss, of approximately 10%, would lead to beneficial changes in biomarkers associated with cancer and/or cancer recurrence, and quality of life (QOL) in overweight and obese BC survivors.MethodsThis parallel-arm study took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from January 2009 until March 2010. Participants were overweight and obese postmenopausal BC survivors who had completed treatment at least 3 months prior to enrollment and who did not smoke. Twenty-one BC survivors were randomized, via a random number generator computer software, to a 1000-calorie deficit feeding and exercise intervention (CR) or a weight management counseling intervention (WM) for 12 weeks followed by a 6-week follow-up. Body weight, biomarkers, and QOL were measured at baseline, weeks 6, 12, and 18. Body composition and fitness level were measured at only two time points.ResultsTwenty-one women were enrolled into the study and 20 completed all time points. Weight loss occurred with both interventions. Body weight in CR changed from 85.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 77, 94) kg to 76.7 (95% CI 68.1, 85.2) kg, whereas in WM it changed from 98.3 (95% CI 89.8, 106.8) kg to 93.2 (95% CI 84.6, 101.7) kg. Fitness in CR changed from 4.9 (95% CI 4, 5.8) to 6.3 (95% CI 5.4, 7.2). CR led to lower plasma levels of leptin, F2-isoprostanes, and CRP. Quality of life seemed to improve with both interventions, while sleep quality decreased only in CR.ConclusionsOverweight and obese BC survivors were able to adhere to a strict diet and exercise program, which significantly decreased body weight, increased fitness level, and improved biomarkers and QOL. However, the strict dietary intervention in CR seemed to decrease participants' sleep quality and social relationships. Future larger randomized controlled trials should focus on behavioral modification and personalized nutrition counseling to help breast cancer survivors achieve a sustainable weight loss and fitness level.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02940470.
Project description:Introduction:The objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to investigate the combined effect of a Mediterranean diet and naltrexone/bupropion treatment on body weight, metabolic parameters, and quality of life in overweight or obese breast cancer survivors. Methods:Forty-four breast cancer survivors were randomly assigned to receive the Mediterranean diet plus naltrexone/bupropion medication (breast cancer survivor MeDiet+NB group) or the Mediterranean diet alone (breast cancer survivor MeDiet-only group). Twenty-eight age-matched non-cancer patients were instructed to consume the Mediterranean diet plus naltrexone/bupropion medication (non-cancer MeDiet+NB group). After the 8-week intervention, changes in body weight, metabolic parameters, nutrient intake, and quality of life of the three groups were assessed. Results:Significant weight loss of 2.8 kg was noted for the breast cancer survivor MeDiet+NB group, 1.8 kg for the breast cancer survivor MeDiet-only group, and 2.5 kg for the non-cancer MeDiet+NB group after 8 weeks (P < 0.05 versus baseline by Wilcoxon's signed-rank test). All three groups also exhibited significantly lower fasting glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels (P < 0.05). Quality of life as assessed by self-reported questionnaires showed improvement in all participants (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences of changes in body weights, metabolic parameters, and quality of life among the three groups or between the MeDiet+NB and MeDiet-only groups. Conclusion:We found that the Mediterranean diet, with or without naltrexone/bupropion treatment, facilitates weight loss, improves metabolic parameters, and increases quality of life. The combination of the Mediterranean diet with naltrexone/bupropion treatment did not produce superior changes when compared to the Mediterranean diet alone. Trial Registration:This trial was retrospectively registered on 10 July 2018 as NCT03581630 at ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03581630).