Boston, MA – A year-long study has demonstrated that a telephone-based weight loss intervention can lead to ample and clinically meaningful weight reduction in women diagnosed with Stage II or III breast cancer who are also overweight or obese. The findings, released this week, suggest a readily accessible approach to improving the health and well-being of this vulnerable patient population.

Researchers discovered that the intervention was universally effective across diverse demographic and racial backgrounds, though the degree of success varied. Postmenopausal women and those identifying as non-Black or non-Hispanic experienced greater benefits from the program.

The Challenge of Weight and Breast Cancer

The link between obesity and adverse outcomes in breast cancer patients is well established. Excess weight is associated with increased risk of cancer recurrence, higher mortality rates, the development of other health problems, and a diminished quality of life. Prior research exploring weight loss strategies in this group has been limited by small sample sizes, a focus on predominantly White populations, and the logistical challenges of in-person programs.

How the Study Worked

The study, involving 3,180 women with Stage II/III hormone receptor-negative breast cancer and a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 or higher, randomly assigned participants to one of two groups. One group (1,591 women) received a two-year telephone-based weight loss program combined with standard health education materials. The control group (1,589 women) received only the health education materials.

The weight loss program emphasized caloric restriction – ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 calories daily based on individual weight – and increased physical activity, starting at 150 minutes per week and escalating to 225 minutes.

Key Findings and Results

After one year, women in the intervention group experienced an average weight loss of 4.3 kg (approximately 9.5 pounds), representing 4.7% of their initial body weight. In contrast, the control group gained an average of 0.9 kg (about 2 pounds), or 1.0% of their baseline weight. The difference between the groups was statistically significant,with a mean difference of 5.3 kg (11.7 pounds) (P < .001).

Nearly half (46.5%) of the women in the intervention group achieved a clinically significant weight loss of at least 5% of their starting weight, compared to just 14.3% in the control group (P < .001). Furthermore, 22.5% of the intervention group lost 10% or more of their initial weight, while only 5.0% of the control group reached that milestone (P < .001).

Subgroup Analysis Reveals Nuances

Analysis of specific subgroups showed that postmenopausal women benefited more from the program, with a mean weight loss difference of 6.37%, compared to 4.82% for premenopausal women.Similarly, women of non-Black and non-Hispanic backgrounds experienced greater weight loss (mean difference of 6.11%) than Black and Hispanic participants (mean differences of 3.74% and 4.14% respectively).

The study also noted a positive correlation between the number of coaching calls completed and weight loss, with participants completing an average of 26 out of 30 scheduled calls. Premenopausal and Black/Hispanic women tended to participate in fewer calls than their counterparts.

Did You Know? Obesity is linked to increased inflammation, which can promote cancer growth and spread. Maintaining a healthy weight can support the immune system to fight cancer cells.

The Growing Importance of Lifestyle Interventions in Cancer Care

The findings underscore a growing recognition of the vital role that lifestyle interventions – such as diet and exercise – play in complete cancer care. Historically, cancer treatment has focused primarily on medical interventions like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, research increasingly demonstrates that addressing modifiable lifestyle factors can significantly impact treatment outcomes, quality of life, and long-term survival.

The accessibility of telephone-based coaching makes this approach particularly promising for reaching a wider range of patients, especially those facing geographic or logistical barriers to in-person programs. As of october 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates over 40% of adults in the United States have obesity, highlighting the need for scalable and effective weight management solutions.

Pro tip: Consider seeking support from a registered dietitian or certified personal trainer to develop a personalized weight management plan tailored to your specific needs and health status.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss and Breast Cancer

1. What is a clinically significant weight loss? A clinically significant weight loss is generally considered to be at least 5% of initial body weight, as this amount is often associated with improvements in health markers.
2. Is phone-based coaching as effective as in-person weight loss programs? This study demonstrates that telephone-based coaching can be effective, offering a convenient and accessible alternative to in-person programs.
3. Why were some subgroups more successful than others in the study? Factors like menopausal status and racial/ethnic background may influence program engagement and metabolic responses to weight loss interventions.
4. What is the ideal calorie intake for this weight loss program? Calorie intake varied from 1,200 to 1,800 calories per day, individualized based on a participant’s baseline weight.
5. How does weight loss impact breast cancer recurrence? Maintaining a healthy weight is linked to a reduced risk of cancer recurrence, though further research is needed to determine the optimal degree of weight loss for maximum benefit.
6. What are the limitations of this study? Over 20% of the participants had missing one-year weight data.
7. Is this study enough to change the standard of care for breast cancer patients? While promising, the authors call for further research with greater weight loss to definitively assess the impact on prognosis.