Keeping a healthy weight after breast cancer
Obesity after diagnosis is linked to the cancer coming back.
What studies found
The American Cancer Society's 2022 guideline for survivors says obesity (a BMI of 30 or more) after a breast cancer diagnosis is linked to a higher chance of recurrence and of dying from breast cancer and other causes.
The catch
Observational. It isn't known how deliberate weight loss affects survival, and ASCO (2022) found too little evidence to advise for or against weight loss during treatment.
What to do
After treatment, aim for a healthy weight through activity and a plant-forward pattern, with your care team's help.
Sources
Rung 3 of 5, Moderate: Consistent observational studies or small trials, not yet confirmed by large trials. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
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