Design of a Mediterranean exchange list diet implemented by telephone counseling.

A Greek-Mediterranean dietary pattern has two distinct aspects that differ relative to average intakes in the United States: a high intake of monounsaturated fats and a high intake of fruit and vegetables. The purpose of the study was to develop and test an exchange list Greek-Mediterranean diet that could be used in future clinical trials of breast cancer prevention. A total of 69 women, ages 25 to 59 years, were randomized to either continue their own usual diet or follow an intervention diet for 6 months during 2004 through 2005.

Quality of life as a predictor of weight loss in obese, early-stage breast cancer survivors.

Purpose/objectives: To investigate whether quality of life (QOL) assessed before weight loss intervention predicts weight loss and, in turn, what the effect of weight loss is on QOL measures after 12 months in early-stage breast cancer survivors.

Design: A clinical trial of a weight loss intervention in breast cancer survivors.

Setting: Community-wide recruitment in Detroit, MI.

Improvement of metabolism among obese breast cancer survivors in differing weight loss regimens.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of different weight loss regimens on body weight loss and metabolic improvement in breast cancer survivors.

Research Methods And Procedures: Forty-eight obese breast cancer survivors were randomly divided into four groups and were followed for 1 year: 1) the Control group (subjects did not receive specific nutrition counseling); 2) the Weight Watchers group (subjects were given free coupons to attend weekly Weight Watchers meetings); 3) the Individualized group (a registered dietitian provided one-on-one nutritional counseling); and 4) the Comprehensive group (subjects received individualized dietary counseling and free coupons for the weekly Weight Watchers meetings). At baseline and 3-, 6-, and 12-month data collection visits, a fasting blood sample was obtained for assays.

Relationship of psychiatric diagnosis and weight loss maintenance in obese breast cancer survivors.

Objective: Obese breast cancer survivors are a unique population for weight loss counseling because both obesity and a diagnosis of breast cancer can increase the risk of depression. In this pilot study, weight loss maintenance was examined in obese breast cancer survivors with relationship to psychiatric diagnosis.

Research Methods And Procedures: Forty-eight subjects were enrolled.

Combining weight-loss counseling with the weight watchers plan for obese breast cancer survivors.

Objective: The objective was to develop effective weight-loss methods for women who have had breast cancer, because obesity may result in an adverse prognosis.

Research Methods And Procedures: This randomized pilot study tested an individualized approach toward weight loss in obese women who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer. An individualized approach was applied either alone or combined with the commercial Weight Watchers program.