Behavioral Weight Loss Program Successful Among Survivors of Endometrial Cancer

Implementation of a behavioral weight loss (BWL) program resulted in clinically significant weight loss among survivors of endometrial cancer, although investigators note a need for longer follow up on additional psychosocial and behavioral outcomes, according to a study published in Gynecologic Oncology Reports.

Over a 12-month period, patients who participated in the program were able to complete 28.3 ± 14.1 appointments, which induced an average weight change of –14.2 ± 7.8 kg (–13.3 ± 7.4%) at 6 months and –16.4 ± 12.5 kg (–15.3 ± 11.4%) at 12 months (P <.001). Moreover, at 12 months, patients in the control group had an average weight change of −1.7 ± 8.4 kg (−2.3 ± 7.6%; P <.001). In the BWL cohort, the change in mean body mass index (BMI) at 6 months was –4.8 ± 4.5 (P <.001); at 12 months, the change in BMI in the BWL and control groups were –5.2 ± 5.9 (P <.001) vs –0.9 ± 3.2 (P = 0.007), respectively.

In the nonrandomized experimental trial, investigators set out to assess whether enrollment in a BWL program would be more effective in facilitating clinical weight loss among endometrial cancer survivors with obesity compared with a matched control group. Primary outcomes for the trial included weight loss at 12 months and BMI change at 12 months.

Patients were screened for eligibility from March 2019 to January 2020. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years or older, having an endometrioid endometrial cancer diagnosis, and having no known metastatic disease. Patients were also required to have completed all endometrial cancer treatments 2 months prior to study enrollment and needed to have a BMI of 30 or higher.

According to investigators, “Profile by Sanford is a personalized weight loss and weight-loss maintenance program that utilizes a one-on-one lifestyle behavior coaching program focused on healthy diet and physical activity. Program membership includes health coaching, a Wi-Fi Smart scale that syncs with an interactive web platform and coaching application, along with a nutrition plan.”

Patients enrolled on the 12-month study after being recruited following a standard follow-up oncology visit. They were then contacted by a Profile health coach who scheduled an initial 1-hour session to assess experiences, motivation, and health and lifestyle. All subsequent appointments were weekly and lasted 30 minutes. Health coaches also helped survivors with customized meal planning and found safe ways to increase daily activity levels.

The control group was pulled from Sanford’s cancer registry and were matched based on age, BMI, disease type, FIGO stage, and treatment dates. Those in the control group continued with standard care clinic visits and underwent tests and procedures based on physician recommendation.

A total of 25 patients enrolled on the study and were put in the intervention arm—3 of whom withdrew—vs 28 patients in the matched control arm. In the intervention arm, the average enrollment took place 19.0 ± 17.4 months from their last treatment.

Reference

Bell M, Reed V, Wernisch J, et al. Effectiveness of profile by Sanford behavioral weight loss program for weight loss following endometrial cancer treatment. Published online November 26, 2021. doi:10.1016/j.gore.2021.100897