A Weight Management Intervention for Overweight Chinese Cancer Survivors

he key goals of the intervention are to: (i) teach knowledge of weight loss benefits and health risks of obesity, (ii) offer skill-based dietary and physical activity advice, (iii) develop an achievable weight loss goal and plan, (iv) enhance weight management self-efficacy, (v) provide access to exercise equipment and resources, and (vi) teach strategies for managing cravings. The L4 intervention is a therapist- delivered intervention involving a registered dietitian and a cancer exercise specialist. Participants allocated to the intervention arm will be provided with a schedule to attend the L4 intervention within four weeks post-baseline via phone. They will receive five intervention sessions (120 min each) on a weekly basis, and will be given home-based practices and reading to practice the skills learnt in each session. The intervention sessions will be delivered in a group format with a maximum of 5 individuals per group, which is likely to enhance accountability.

A video-based intervention is selected as a low-touch alternative with expected benefits beyond a no treatment control. Participants allocated to the active control arm will receive five educational videos designed to promote a balanced diet and reinforce regular physical activity, weekly through instant messaging, and be encouraged to follow the advice covered in the videos. The materials will be developed based on the existing dietary and physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors. Participants in this arm will be arranged to attend to the L4 intervention upon completion of the study.