People living with and beyond cancer who have overweight or obesity need targeted support to help them adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. To address this need, researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center (AHWC) are developing the BfedBwell survivorship nutrition program. Supported by the National Cancer Institute, the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and the Colorado Nutrition Obesity Research Center, this study is led by Emily Hill, PhD, RDN.
Dr. Hill, Principal Investigator of the study, explains, “This study builds on our initial work by testing different versions of the BfedBwell survivorship nutrition program to determine which components provide the most benefit.” The program focuses on increasing adherence to cancer survivorship guidelines, improving body weight and body composition, and positively influencing cardiometabolic health in individuals who have completed active cancer treatment within the past decade. Participants will also engage in the existing BfitBwell cancer exercise program.
“Our proof-of-concept study showed that participants reported numerous benefits from participating in both BfedBwell and BfitBwell,” says Dr. Hill. “100% of participants noted improvements in their diet and physical activity patterns and expressed a willingness to recommend the program to other cancer survivors. The data supports these outcomes, with significant improvements in diet quality, physical fitness, and some cardiometabolic health indicators like cholesterol. We’re very encouraged by these results and are excited to continue this important work.”
"100% of participants noted improvements in their diet and physical activity patterns and expressed a willingness to recommend the program to other cancer survivors."
The BfedBwell pilot optimization study will employ a factorial trial design to evaluate eight different versions of the program. Every participant will access an evidence-based nutrition curriculum and group education, while some groups will receive additional support, such as one-on-one counseling with a dietitian, cooking demonstrations, skills development sessions, and structured group support.
The study will enroll cancer survivors with overweight or obesity for a 6-month program, starting with an intensive 12-week phase that runs alongside the BfitBwell exercise program. Following this, participants will transition into a 12-week tapered maintenance phase of the BfedBwell program, featuring group education sessions that decrease in frequency. During this period, they will also participate in the BfitBwell alumni program.
Throughout the 12-week intensive phase, all participants will attend weekly 60-minute virtual group sessions led by a Registered Dietitian (RD). These sessions will focus on cancer survivorship guidelines for lifestyle behaviors, emphasizing nutrition education, such as following a primarily plant-based diet, limiting alcohol and processed meats, reducing ultra-processed food consumption, and achieving a weekly calorie deficit for weight loss. The sessions will also cover behavioral strategies like budgeting, meal planning, and aspects of mental, emotional, and social health.
In addition to the group sessions, select participants will benefit from monthly 45-minute virtual one-on-one counseling sessions with a Registered Dietitian (RD). These personalized sessions will provide tailored guidance, helping participants track their progress and overcome individual challenges. To further enhance their skills, some groups will participate in monthly 60 to 120-minute in-person sessions with the AHWC Community Nutrition RD team. These hands-on sessions will feature cooking demonstrations and focus on developing behavioral skills and nutrition education, reinforcing effective behavior change techniques. Additionally, certain groups will receive weekly 30-minute virtual support group sessions designed to promote goal setting and social reinforcement, aiding participants in their journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
As participants move into the 12-week maintenance phase, they will continue to receive support through biweekly 60-minute virtual group sessions for the first 4 weeks, followed by monthly sessions for the remaining 8 weeks.
The study will evaluate the program’s impact on adherence to dietary, physical activity, and weight management guidelines, as well as changes in body composition and cardiometabolic health. These assessments, along with weekly satisfaction surveys and focus groups at the study's conclusion, will offer valuable insights into the program's feasibility, acceptability, and potential for broader implementation.
By addressing lifestyle behaviors and incorporating behavioral and social support, the BfedBwell program aims to empower cancer survivors to take control of their health and well-being beyond active treatment. The research team is hopeful that this work will lead to the development of a scalable program that can continue to expand and better serve the cancer community both locally and beyond.
AHWC is actively recruiting participants for the BfedBwell Nutrition Program. For more information or to see if you qualify, visit our prescreen survey form, view our flyer, or visit the research page on our website at anschutzwellness.com.