Dietary and Weight Changes after Treatments for Lymphoma

Abstract:

To estimate the current prevalence of overweight and any associations with self-reported changes in dietary patterns, we surveyed 141 patients who had completed treatments for lymphoma at The M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. We hypothesized that those who perceived that they were currently eating more fruits, vegetables, or whole grains would be more likely to be in a normal weight as body mass index (BMI) category. Usual food choices during the past year were assessed through the previously validated Block Dietary Data Systems Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Perceived increases in fruits, vegetables, or whole grains after treatment were assessed through supplementary questions. Height, weight, and medications were recorded from a retrospective record review. A majority of subjects were overweight or obese before treatment, and this proportion had increased when assessed a median of 20 mo after treatment. Patients perceiving that they currently consumed more fruits, vegetables, or whole grains were not more likely to be in a normal BMI category even after controlling for medications associated with weight gain as indicated by pharmaceutical company information. However, a majority of subjects consumed 40% or more of energy from fat and ate less than the recommended minimum of 5-a-day fruits and vegetables.

Acknowledgments and Notes

We thank the following for their contributions to the development and accomplishment of this research: Nicki Lowenstein, MS, RD, Manager of M. D. Anderson's Department of Clinical Nutrition, for guidance concerning nutritional issues for patients with cancer. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center's Department of Health Information Management for provision of monthly appointment data; directors and staff of the Tumor Registry database maintained by the Department of Medical Informatics for identification of population and patient eligibility; Eun Sul Lee, PhD, Professor of Biometry of the University of Texas Houston Health Science Center School of Public Health and J. Lynn Palmer, PhD, Statistician of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine for statistical advice.

Notes

∗Percent of row total.

∗∗Expected count.

∗∗∗Percent of total.