Abstract P4-09-04: Weight loss and lipid-lowering efficacy of a low carbohydrate, calorie restricted diet intervention on postmenopausal breast cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Obesity and weight gain are associated with higher rates of breast cancer recurrence and increased mortality. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in breast cancer survivors. Control of body weight and cardiovascular risk factors are key aspects in breast cancer survivorship. The purpose of our study was to see if a low carbohydrate, calorie restricted dietary intervention could be implemented in a group of obese postmenopausal breast cancer survivors to achieve weight loss and improved lipid profiles. Methods: Twenty-four postmenopausal estrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients were enrolled on a low carbohydrate, calorie restricted dietary intervention. The dietary intervention utilizes 0.5g protein/pound (actual body weight), less than 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 800-1200 calories per day. Body weight, body fat percentage, blood triglyceride level, and total cholesterol level were measured and monitored, during the dietary intervention. Results: The average weight loss spanned 23.8 weeks (varying from 5 to 59 weeks). When compared with the mean body weight prior to the dietary intervention, the mean body weight was reduced by 19.9% (equivalent to 43.7 pounds). The mean body fat percentage was reduced by 6.86%. In addition, the dietary intervention significantly decreased the patients’ blood triglyceride level by 33.8% (p = 0.00013). The mean total cholesterol level was decreased by 9.5% with the dietary intervention (p = 0.00498). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a low carbohydrate, calorie restricted diet resulted in significant weight loss with improved lipid profiles. This study suggests that this dietary intervention is feasible in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors and a potential strategy for cardiovascular risk reduction. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P4-09-04.