Maintaining Weight Loss in Obese Men with Prostate Cancer Following a Supervised Exercise and Nutrition Program—A Pilot Study

Abstract

Supervised exercise and nutrition programs can mitigate or reverse androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) induced fat mass (FM) gain, lean mass (LM) loss, and impaired physical function. It is unclear whether these benefits are retained following transition to self-management. This study examined the effect of a home-based weight maintenance program on body composition and physical function in obese men with prostate cancer (PCa) on ADT following a 12-week supervised weight loss intervention. Eleven obese PCa patients (74 ± 5 years, 40.0 ± 4.9% body fat) on ADT (>6 months) completed a 12-week self-managed home-based weight maintenance program consisting of 150 min/week of aerobic and resistance training while maintaining a healthy balanced diet. Body composition (DXA), muscle strength (1RM), and cardiorespiratory fitness (400 m walk) were assessed. Significant reductions in weight (−2.8 ± 3.2 kg) and FM (−2.8 ± 2.6 kg), preservation of LM (−0.05 ± 1.6 kg), and improvements in muscle strength and VO2max were achieved across the supervised intervention. Across the home-based program, no significant changes were observed in weight (−0.6 ± 2.8 kg, p = 0.508), FM (0.2 ± 1.4 kg, p = 0.619), LM (−0.8 ± 1.6 kg, p = 0.146), muscle strength (−0.2 to 4.1%, p = 0.086–0.745), or estimated VO2max (0.3 ± 2.1 mL/min/kg, p = 0.649). Self-managed, home-based exercise and nutrition programs are a viable strategy to promote maintenance of body composition and physical function following a supervised intervention in obese PCa patients on ADT.

PC-PEP, a Comprehensive Daily Six-Month Home-Based Patient Empowerment Program Leads to Weight Loss in Men with Prostate Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Clinical Trial

“…While many studies on weight reduction interventions in prostate cancer patients lack long-term outcomes or demonstrate high relapse rates [9], our findings indicate a stabilization of weight and BMI from 6 to 12 months among participants in the early PC-PEP group, rather than a continued reduction or significant regain. This stabilization suggests a potential for weight maintenance within this period, which we believe may be attributed to the comprehensive nature of the PC-PEP program.…”

“…Obesity, known to escalate the risk of adverse treatment side-effects, reduced survival, and recurrence in prostate cancer cases, positions weight loss as a potentially key factor in positively influencing patient wellbeing [ 6 , 29 , 30 ]. While behavioural weight management interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing weight and enhancing health outcomes for several cancer types, such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer, data regarding their efficacy in the prostate cancer patient cohort remains scarce [ 9 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Our findings advocate for the combined approach of diet and exercise over singular strategies, echoing systematic reviews that such integration yields superior weight loss and health benefits [ 34 ].…”

“…Additionally, weight loss may optimize the effectiveness of adjuvant treatments [ 6 ]. Behavioural weight management interventions have been proven to decrease weight and improve health outcomes in select cancer types, although comprehensive methodological assessments regarding their application in the context of prostate cancer are notably limited [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Nationwide Industry-Led Community Exercise Program for Men With Locally Advanced, Relapsed, or Metastatic Prostate Cancer on Androgen-Deprivation Therapy

“… 14 , 15 However, addressing the adverse effects of ADT on fat mass has proven difficult in men with prostate cancer, and the impact of self-managed long-term exercise uptake is largely unknown in this patient population. 16 , 17 Furthermore, widespread adoption and implementation of exercise programs into clinical care pathways is scarce and thus, access to appropriate exercise programs for patients outside of research trials is limited. 18 …”

“…14,15 However, addressing the adverse effects of ADT on fat mass has proven difficult in men with prostate cancer, and the impact of self-managed long-term exercise uptake is largely unknown in this patient population. 16,17 Furthermore, widespread adoption and implementation of exercise programs into clinical care pathways is scarce and thus, access to appropriate exercise programs for patients outside of research trials is limited. 18 The Man Plan program is an ongoing Australia-wide industry-led community-based exercise and support program for men diagnosed with locally advanced, relapsed, or metastatic prostate cancer treated with leuprorelin acetate (Lucrin, AbbVie Pty Ltd, Mascot, NSW, Australia), and is considered an integrated part of treatment for these patients.…”