Perception of a need to change weight in individuals living with and beyond breast, prostate and colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional survey

PurposePeople living with and beyond cancer (LWBC) are advised to achieve a body mass index (BMI) within the healthy range (>= 18.5 and < 25). Not perceiving a need for weight change may be a barrier to achieving a healthy weight. This study aimed to explore factors associated with perceived need for weight change among people LWBC.MethodsAdults diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer were recruited through National Health Service sites in Essex and London. Participants (N = 5835) completed the 'Health and Lifestyle After Cancer' survey, which included a question on perceived need to change weight. Associations between perceived need for weight change and BMI, and perceived need for weight change and health and demographic variables, were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression, respectively.ResultsThe proportion of participants perceiving a need to lose weight differed according to BMI category: healthy weight (23%), overweight (64%), obese (85%) (P < 0.001). Having overweight or obesity but not perceiving a need to lose weight was associated with being older, male, non-white, not married or cohabiting, and having cancer that had spread, no formal qualifications, no comorbidities, and having received chemotherapy.ConclusionsPerceived need to lose weight is prevalent among people LWBC with obesity and overweight. This group may be interested in weight management support. Demographic and health factors were associated with having obesity or overweight but not perceiving a need to lose weight.Implications for cancer survivorsWeight loss interventions for people LWBC are needed. A subset of people LWBC with overweight and obesity may need additional information or motivators to engage with weight management.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore factors associated with perceived need for weight change among cancer survivors. The results showed that a significant proportion of overweight and obese survivors did not perceive a need to lose weight, which was associated with factors such as age, gender, race, marital status, cancer spread, education level, comorbidities, and chemotherapy. Support for weight management is needed for cancer survivors.