Saed News: The results of a new study show that women with breast cancer who are overweight or obese can improve their quality of life and physical abilities by participating in weight-loss programs, experience less fatigue, and perform their daily and social activities more easily.
According to SAEDNEWS, researchers reported that the Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) program helped women lose excess weight, improve their physical functioning, and achieve a better overall quality of life.
Dr. Jennifer Ligibel, the study's lead researcher and director of the Leonard P. Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies and Healthy Living at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, said: “The BWEL program was delivered to more than 1,500 participants from 635 cancer treatment centers across the United States and Canada.”
She added in a statement: “These findings show that weight loss has meaningful benefits for people who are living with both breast cancer and obesity.”
For the new study, researchers randomly assigned 272 women with breast cancer who were overweight or obese to the BWEL program. Another 270 women were randomly assigned to receive only information about following a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise.
During the two-year program, participants spoke with a coach up to 42 times and received guidance and encouragement to reduce their calorie intake and increase their physical activity.
The results showed that after six months, women participating in the weight-loss program experienced significant improvements in their quality of life and physical functioning.
They also reported lower levels of fatigue and were better able to work and participate in social activities.
