Mediterranean Diet and Physical Activity in Breast Cancer Patients Under Hormone Therapy

Overview

This study aims to evaluate body weight status, lifestyle patterns, and cardiometabolic risk in women in remission from breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy, and to assess the effects of a structured nutritional intervention based on the Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity promotion. A total of 150 women treated with adjuvant hormone therapy are recruited from the oncology department of Akid Othmane Hospital in Oran, Algeria. Participants include women receiving tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Baseline assessments include anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences), socioeconomic characteristics, and lifestyle evaluation. Dietary intake is assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls and 3-day food records. Total energy intake, macronutrient and micronutrient composition, dietary habits, meal distribution, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS score) are evaluated. Physical activity level, sedentary behavior, daily energy expenditure, and energy balance are also determined. Cardiometabolic risk is assessed through measurement of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides), uric acid, albumin, creatinine, urea, and calculation of atherogenic ratios. A structured educational program promoting adherence to the Mediterranean diet and increased physical activity is implemented. Anthropometric, dietary, lifestyle, and cardiometabolic parameters are monitored over time to evaluate changes associated with the intervention.

The objective of this interventional study is to evaluate body weight status, lifestyle characteristics, and cardiometabolic risk in women in remission from breast cancer undergoing adjuvant hormone therapy, and to assess the impact of a nutritional intervention based on the Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity promotion. A total of 150 women treated with adjuvant hormone therapy are recruited from the oncology department of Akid Othmane Hospital in Aïn El Turc, Oran, Algeria. Participants are classified according to the type of endocrine treatment received, including tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. Baseline evaluation includes anthropometric measurements such as body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Socioeconomic characteristics and lifestyle habits are documented. Dietary assessment is conducted using 24-hour dietary recalls and 3-day food records. Nutritional analysis includes total energy intake, macronutrient and micronutrient composition, dietary quality, meal distribution, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet assessed using the MEDAS score. Food group consumption patterns and dietary behaviors are also evaluated. Physical activity level, sedentary behavior, daily energy expenditure, and energy balance are determined using standardized assessment methods. Cardiometabolic risk profile is evaluated through measurement of blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides), uric acid, albumin, creatinine, urea, and calculation of atherogenic indices. Following baseline assessment, participants receive a structured educational program promoting adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and regular physical activity. Follow-up assessments are conducted to monitor changes in anthropometric parameters, dietary habits, lifestyle behaviors, and cardiometabolic markers over time.