Efficacy of Nursing Interventions Using Motivational Interviewing Aimed at Weight Loss in Overweight/Obese Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity adversely impacts breast cancer treatment and outcomes. This study assessed the efficacy of nurses' motivational interviews (MI) in promoting weight loss among breast cancer patients.

METHODS: Motivational Interviewing was performed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks from baseline in 27 overweight/ obese breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy. An average weight loss rate of 5% at week 12 was the threshold for determining whether MI intervention was clinically meaningful. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were gathered from medical records and self-administered questionnaires. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), physical activity time, sedentary time, self-efficacy for weight loss, and mood scores were evaluated at baseline, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks.

RESULTS: Significant reductions in body weight were observed throughout compared with baseline; 51.9% of participants attained the 5% weight loss target, but the average weight loss rate was 3.9% at week 12. BMI notably decreased at 8, 12, and 24 weeks compared with baseline. Physical activity increased significantly at 12 weeks, while sedentary time decreased at 8 and 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS: Nursing-administered MI did not achieve the goal of 5% weight loss at week 12. However, it increased physical activity and reduced sedentary time, showing potential for promoting healthier habits.