Virtual weight loss program for African-American breast cancer survivors: Preliminary results.

Abstract

163 Background: Obesity is associated with higher breast cancer recurrence and death, and poorer health and quality of life. African-American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of obesity, obesity-related comorbidities, and breast cancer mortality compared with other racial/ethnic groups. Weight loss after breast cancer diagnosis may lower rates of recurrence and improve fitness, fatigue, and quality of life. Methods: This 6-month randomized controlled trial pilot-tests the use of a Fitbit activity tracker (Fitbit only group) versus Fitbit plus SparkPeople, a free web-based weight loss program (combined group) among 70 AA breast cancer survivors. Paired t-tests assess changes from baseline to 6-months among each participant in primary (weight, body mass index [BMI], percent body fat) and secondary (24-hour caloric intake, daily number of steps, quality of life, self-monitoring strategies, self-efficacy) outcomes. Two-group t-tests assess differences in outcomes between the two groups. Results: Currently, 36 of 46 (78.3%) eligible participants have enrolled and completed baseline assessments. Mean age of participants is 61.7 years (SD 8.7) and mean BMI is 36.9 (SD 7.0). Analyses of the first 25 participants who completed 3-month assessments (Fitbit only N = 12; combined group N = 13) show significant weight loss in both groups; Fitbit only: mean weight change -6.73 pounds, SD 4.61, p < 0.001; mean BMI change -0.96 kg/m2, SD 0.84, p = 0.002; combined group: mean weight change -5.95 pounds, SD 5.84, p = 0.003; mean BMI change -1.03 kg/m2, SD 0.77, p < 0.001. All participants significantly increased tracking of diet (Fitbit only p = 0.016; combined group p < 0.001) and physical activity (Fitbit only p < 0.001; combined group p = 0.001). Though not significant, combined group participants showed greater increases in self-efficacy for eating healthy and reducing fat and calories, and increases in daily steps (+1308 vs. +285 for Fitbit only group). Preliminary analyses show no statistically significant difference in changes in outcomes from baseline to 3 months between the two groups. Conclusions: Both programs show potential as convenient and efficient weight loss methods for African-American breast cancer survivors. Clinical trial information: NCT02699983.

Application of wearables for remote monitoring of oncology patients: A scoping review

“…In line with an increase in PA, two of the above-mentioned publications observed significant weight loss after 3 months, 42 , 43 whereas QoL remained unaltered. 42 Future studies should address additional clinical endpoints induced by altered PA. Limited change can be observed considering the number of applied sensors in published studies and planned studies.…”

“…Two publications measured weight loss as a primary endpoint (20%; 2/10). 42 , 43 A beneficial effect of wearables was mainly apparent among patients characterized as posttreatment and cancer survivors. Two publications report a lack of positive outcomes after wearable-supported interventions, due to a lack of motivation 44 and underpowered study conditions, 45 according to the authors.…”

“… 68 Further studies indicated PA increase or weight loss up to 3 months, but without the comparison to a control group, 42 or with no significant difference to included control groups. 42 , 43 , 48 , 49 , 69 Only two studies present outcome change results after 6 months: Lemanska et al report a PA decrease after initial PA increase after 3 months (with no control group) and Kong et al found increased PA levels with no significant difference to a control group without wearable. 46 , 69 …”