Research

Energy balance

Behaviorally based weight loss interventions (diet and/or physical activity) produce statistically significant weight loss (mean ≥5% of initial body weight) in overweight or obese women with breast cancer, with no serious adverse events reported.

If you are a breast cancer survivor who is overweight, a structured program focusing on diet and exercise can help you lose weight safely. Most programs last 6-12 months and involve regular check-ins with a professional. You can expect to lose at least 5% of your body weight, which is associated with better health outcomes.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Statistically significant within-group weight loss was observed over periods of 2 to 18 months in 13 of the 14 trials, with six randomized and two single-arm trials observing mean weight loss ≥5%... The studies included in this review suggest that weight loss is feasible to achieve and is safe in women following treatment for breast cancer.
Marina M. Reeves et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2014

Why this rating

Systematic review of multiple RCTs and single-arm trials, but individual studies had high or moderate risk of bias and small sample sizes.

Source

Weight loss intervention trials in women with breast cancer: a systematic review

Marina M. Reeves et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2014

DOI 10.1111/obr.12190

systematic_reviewCited 170×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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