Weight gain in breast cancer survivors (BCS) has been linked with body image distress
and adverse impact on cancer survival and treatment outcomes. Despite strong links
between excess adiposity and overall body image concern, little is known about the
impact of weight gain on body image emotions long-term. The purpose of this study
was to (i) examine weight correlates of body-related emotions and to (ii) identify
the impact of weight gain on body-related emotions longitudinally. In a sample of
female BCS (n=198; Mage= 55.01±10.96; 51% overweight or obese), researchers collected
weight, height and waist circumference measures at baseline (Months=3.45 post-treatment),
and participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing body image emotions
(i.e., body-related shame, guilt and social physique anxiety) at 6, 9 and 12 months
thereafter. Shame, guilt and social physique anxiety were positively linked with pre-cancer
weight fluctuation (r=0.32 to 0.37), post-treatment body mass index (BMI) (r=0.30
to 0.41), waist circumference (r=0.33 to 0.45) and efforts to lose weight (r=0.31
to 0.46). Women who gained weight post-cancer (n=91) reported higher body-related
shame, guilt and social physique anxiety compared to post-treatment non weight gainers
(n=107) based on multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVAs). Notably, continued weight
gain during treatment was not associated with further impact on shame, guilt or anxiety.
Based on these findings, weight gain in the initial post-treatment period of the cancer
trajectory is most strongly linked with long-term negative body image outcomes. Weight
management and body image counseling should be targeted immediately following breast
cancer treatment to reduce the burden of weight gain on psychological wellbeing.
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© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.