Effectiveness of an Internet Delivered Behavioral Weight Loss Intervention Provided to Breast Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Purpose: Excess weight is associated with negative outcomes among breast cancer survivors. Our primary objective was to pilot test the value of an internet delivered behavioral weight loss (BWL) intervention for breast cancer survivors. Methods: Stage 0-III breast cancer survivors with excess weight who did (CHEMO) and did not receive chemotherapy (NO CHEMO) were recruited to participate. The 6 month BWL intervention included behavior modification strategies, calorie reduction and an increase in moderate exercise. The primary outcome was change in anthropometrics. Secondary outcomes were change in food intake and physical activity. Results: Fifty women were recruited (25 who received chemotherapy; 25 who did not receive chemotherapy) and 34 completed post testing. The results from both an intent-to-treat analysis and analyzing including only subjects who completed the intervention identified that both the CHEMO and NO CHEMO groups lost significant weight. Participants in the CHEMO and NO CHEMO groups who completed the intervention lost 4.5% and 7.5% of baseline body weight respectively. The NO CHEMO group lost a significant percent of their baseline body fat while the CHEMO group did not. The intervention resulted in a significant fat free mass loss for the CHEMO group, while fat free mass was preserved in the NO CHEMO group. The calorie deficit for the NO CHEMO group was significant while the CHEMO group did not achieve a significant reduction in calories consumed. No exercise parameter changed in either group. Conclusion: Individuals with breast cancer experience significant weight loss with an internet delivered intervention. Women who received chemotherapy lost less weight, less body fat and more fat free mass than survivors who did not receive chemotherapy. Despite variable success between groups, an internet based BWL program results in weight loss in a breast cancer survivor population.