A standardized, integral nutritional intervention and physical activity program reduces body weight in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women in developed countries. At diagnosis, approximately 70% of women are overweight, and the additional weight gain that can result from the ensuing treatments has been associated with cancer recurrence and progression. Objectives: The main objective was to compare the effect of only a nutritional intervention (CG) with a nutrition education program (nutritional intervention, nutrition education, and physical activity) (IG) for 1 year. Methods: A total of 65 women with breast cancer who had been evaluated at the Clinical Nutrition Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain were recruited into 2 groups: A control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). Results: The IG showed a significant reduction in body weight (-1.87 ± 3.41 vs. 1.48 ± 2.01 kg, p < 0.05), BMI (-0.61 ± 1.40 vs. 0.65 ± 0.88 kg/m2, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (-32.92 ± 38.45 vs. -3.23 ± 39.73 mg/dl, p < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-35.29 ± 27.50 vs. 6.33 ± 40.70 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Both groups were shown to be more conscious of the importance of physical activity, with increased consumption of grains, fruits, oily fish, and dairy. Conclusions: Dietary interventions and physical activity were shown to be important to achieving several physical and physiological benefits that could reduce some risk factors associated with breast cancer recurrence and progression.