Weight Management Experiences Among People Affected by Overweight and Obesity Who Are Living With and Beyond Colorectal, Breast or Prostate Cancer: A Cross‐Sectional Survey

Introduction

After a cancer diagnosis, recommendations for those living with and beyond cancer (LWBC) are to maintain a body mass index (BMI) < 25 and avoid weight gain. This study explored factors associated with receipt of and interest in weight management advice as well as engagement in weight management programmes (WMPs) among people LWBC affected by overweight and obesity.

Methods

3456 participants living with or beyond breast, prostate or colorectal cancer and affected by overweight and obesity completed our questionnaire. Participants reported advice received on losing weight, interest in receiving weight management advice, enrolment in a lifestyle programme and their beliefs about maintaining a healthy weight to prevent cancer recurrence.

Results

Logistic regression results suggested that those who received advice were more likely to be interested in advice (OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.30; 2.18) and to be enrolled in a WMP (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.07; 2.40). The belief that maintaining a healthy weight could prevent cancer recurrence was associated with greater interest in weight management advice (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.33; 1.62) and enrolment in a programme (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.25; 1.99).

Discussion

These results highlight that those who recall receiving weight management advice are more likely to be enrolled in a WMP, suggesting that advice should be offered by healthcare professionals to all those patients affected by overweight and obesity.

Conclusions

This suggests that the receipt of weight management advice may encourage people LWBC who are affected by overweight and obesity to engage with WMPs.