In a nutshell
The authors aimed to determine factors associated with weight gain in patients who received hormone therapy.
Some background
Hormone therapy is a common treatment used in prostate cancer. It targets hormones active in prostate cancer, such as testosterone. Some patients might experience weight gain following treatment.
Methods & findings
The aim of this study was to determine factors that affect weight gain in patients who received hormone therapy.
118 patients were used in this study. After 1 year of hormone therapy patients gained an average of 1.32kg. Patients less than 65 years old and patients who did not have diabetes experienced significant weight gain. Those who had a non-obese body mass index (BMI – body fat based on height and weight – BMIs over 30kg/m2 are classified as obese) experienced significant weight gain.
Patients under 65 years gained an average of 2.72kg. Patients between 65 and 75 years gained an average of 1.43kg. Patients over 75 years gained an average of 0.12kg.
Patients who had a BMI of less than 25 gained an average of 2.42kg. Patients who had a BMI of 25-30 gained an average of 1.77kg. Patients who had a BMI of more than 30 gained an average of 0.10kg.
Three risk factors for weight gain on hormone therapy were identified. This included men 65 years or younger, BMI of less than 30 and men without diabetes. Patients with no risk factors experienced a weight change of -1.10kg. Patients with 1 risk factor gained 0.41kg. Patients with 2 risk factors gained 1.34kg. Patients with 3 risk factors gained 3.79kg.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that men 65 years or younger and men with a BMI of less than 30 had a higher risk of experiencing weight gain when receiving hormone therapy.
The fine print
Larger study groups are required for results to be widely applied.
What’s next?
If you are considering hormone therapy as a treatment option, please discuss potential benefits and risk with your doctor.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Apr 08, 2014
