An Acceptance Based Lifestyle Intervention in Black Breast Cancer Survivors with Obesity

To assess the feasibility and early efficacy of a combined lifestyle and acceptance-based therapy (ABT) intervention on weight loss at 16 weeks among Black breast cancer (BC) survivors with obesity. Thirty black breast cancer survivors with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 at least 6 months post-treatment were enrolled. Outcomes included feasibility process measures, physical well-being assessed using the subscale of QOL-Breast Cancer (QOL-BC), physical activity assessed by Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and weight. Fisher’s Exact/Chi-Squared tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to explore differences between responders and non-responders, as well as within-group changes during the intervention. Within the first 4 weeks, responders (participants who lost any weight) lost a median of 2.6 lbs. compared to non-responders (no weight loss) who gained a median of 2.6 lbs. At 16 weeks, participants reported greater physical well-being (p < 0.0001), increased time in recreational activities (p = 0.03), and a median weight loss of 5.6 pounds in responders vs. 0.7 pounds in non-responders (p ≤ 0.001). Non-responders were more likely to have developed a new health condition compared to responders (44% vs. 0%; p = 0.014). In this study, weight loss at 4 weeks and new-onset health conditions were significant factors associated with non-response to the combined intervention. Black BC with obesity are at high risk for recurrent cancer and secondary health conditions. ABT may be a suitable adjunct therapeutic option to lifestyle interventions implemented soon after a cancer diagnosis to improve physical well-being, increase physical activity, and promote weight loss.