Integration of a lifestyle modification intervention for women with overweight and obesity in a gynecologic oncology practice

Abstract

Objective(s): We aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a remotely delivered, group-based lifestyle modification intervention (LMI) for women with gynecologic cancer and overweight or obesity in a real-world clinic. Methods: A six-month LMI was implemented in an outpatient gynecologic oncologic clinic for women with a body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2. Participants were given a weight loss goal of ≥5 % initial body weight. Retrospective data were collected from patients enrolled in the intervention from September 2019 through February 2023. Feasibility of the LMI was assessed by the rate of enrollment and retention in the intervention. De-identified zip code data were collected to assess geographic proximity of participants to the clinic. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to evaluate change in weight across the intervention. Results: 164 patients were referred to the LMI with 82 patients being enrolled during the study timeframe. The sample consisted primarily of white (68.3 %) women between the ages of 30 to 73 years old (median age of 57) with an initial median BMI of 41.41 kg/m2. 74 % of enrolled patients completed the entire LMI. The LMI resulted in a mean loss of 4.19 kgs (p < .001), with 40.30 % of patients losing ≥5 % initial body weight. Conclusions: Remotely delivered, group based LMI for gynecologic cancer patients with overweight or obesity is feasible in clinical practice and can transcend rural-urban inequalities. Patients in the LMI achieved statistically and clinically significant weight loss, comparable to that observed in more rigorous clinical trial.