Researchers tested a new weight loss program for women who had breast cancer treatment. The program included group workshops with dietitians and lifestyle coaches over video calls. Women in the program lost more weight (7.3 pounds) compared to those getting regular care (2.4 pounds) over 6 months. They also reported feeling better and had less breast and arm pain. The study was small with only 21 women, but the results suggest this type of support program could help breast cancer survivors maintain a healthier weight, which may improve their long-term health outcomes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether group weight loss workshops delivered online could help breast cancer survivors lose weight better than standard medical care alone
  • Who participated: 21 women who had completed breast cancer treatment within the past 3 years, all with a specific type of breast cancer (hormone-positive, HER2-negative)
  • Key finding: Women in the workshop program lost 7.3 pounds over 6 months, while those getting standard care lost only 2.4 pounds
  • What it means for you: If you’re a breast cancer survivor, structured weight loss support with dietitians and lifestyle coaches may help you lose weight and feel better, though more research is needed

The Research Details

This was a small pilot study to test whether a larger study would be worth doing. Researchers randomly divided 21 breast cancer survivors into two groups - 13 women got the new workshop program plus their regular medical care, while 7 women got only their regular medical care. The workshop program was designed with input from breast cancer patients to make sure it met their real needs. Women in the program attended small group sessions via video calls with trained dietitians and lifestyle advisors who taught them skills for losing weight and staying healthy.

This type of ‘feasibility study’ is important because it tests whether a new treatment can work in the real world before spending money on a large, expensive study. The researchers wanted to see if women would actually attend the sessions, if the program was acceptable to participants, and if there were early signs it might work.

This was a well-designed randomized study, meaning participants were assigned to groups by chance rather than choice, which reduces bias. However, it was very small with only 21 women, and 10 women dropped out before the 6-month follow-up, making the results preliminary rather than definitive.

What the Results Show

The main goal was to see if the program was feasible, and it passed that test well. About 80% of workshop sessions were attended, showing women found the program acceptable and manageable. For weight loss, the intervention group lost an average of 7.3 pounds over 6 months compared to 2.4 pounds in the standard care group. While this difference looks promising, the small number of participants means we can’t be certain the program caused the extra weight loss. The women in the workshop program also reported improvements in breast cancer-related symptoms, particularly less pain and discomfort in their breast and arm areas. They also showed positive changes in their eating habits and physical activity levels compared to the control group.

Beyond weight loss, participants in the intervention showed improvements in quality of life measures specific to breast cancer survivors. Their dietary behaviors improved, and they became more physically active. These changes suggest the program may have benefits beyond just weight loss.

Previous research has shown that maintaining a healthy weight after breast cancer treatment may improve survival and reduce the risk of cancer returning. This study adds to that evidence by showing that structured, group-based support delivered remotely can be an effective way to help survivors achieve weight loss.

The study was very small with only 21 participants, and nearly half dropped out before the end. This makes it hard to draw firm conclusions. The study also only followed participants for 6 months, so we don’t know if the weight loss would continue or if people would maintain their new habits long-term.

The Bottom Line

Based on these early results, breast cancer survivors may benefit from structured weight loss programs that include group support and professional guidance from dietitians and lifestyle coaches. However, since this was a small pilot study, these recommendations should be considered preliminary until larger studies confirm the benefits.

This research is most relevant for women who have completed treatment for hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer within the past few years. Women with other types of breast cancer or those still undergoing active treatment should consult their healthcare team before applying these findings.

In this study, meaningful weight loss and symptom improvements were seen within 6 months. However, sustainable weight management typically requires ongoing lifestyle changes and support beyond this initial period.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your weight weekly and log attendance at support group sessions or meetings with healthcare providers focused on weight management
  • Join or create a support group for breast cancer survivors focused on healthy lifestyle changes, and consider working with a registered dietitian
  • Monitor weight trends over months rather than daily fluctuations, and track improvements in energy levels, physical symptoms, and overall quality of life alongside weight changes

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Breast cancer survivors should consult with their oncology team and healthcare providers before starting any weight loss program or making significant lifestyle changes.