Research Paper Title

The Impact of a Bodyweight and Physical Activity Intervention (BeWEL) Initiated through a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme: Randomised Controlled Trial.

Study Question

What is the impact of a diet and physical activity intervention programme on bodyweight change in overweight or obese people attending routine screening for colorectal cancer who have had colorectal adenomas removed but are at risk of developing further obesity related conditions?

Summary Answer

A 12 month, personalised, behaviourally focused weight loss programme within a national colorectal cancer screening programme was associated with sustained changes in body weight, physical activity, and eating and drinking habits, offering potential for risk reduction of disease in older adults.

What Is Known and What This Paper Adds

Excess body weight, low physical activity levels, and inappropriate diet are risk factors for colorectal adenomas and cancer, and the screening setting provides an opportunity to promote and achieve weight loss in older adults who are at risk of a range of obesity related comorbidities. An intervention of 5.25 hours of lifestyle counsellor contact over 12 months delivered on a one to one basis resulted in continuous and significant weight loss, with improvements in blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

Reference

Anderson, A.S., Craigie, A.M., Caswell, S., Treweek, S., Stead, M., Macleod, M., Daly, F., Belch, J., Rodger, J., Kirk, A., Ludbrook, A., Rauchhaus, P., Norwood, P., Thompson, J., Wardle, J. & Steele, R.J.C. (2014) The Impact of a Bodyweight and Physical Activity Intervention (BeWEL) Initiated through a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme: Randomised Controlled Trial. British Medical Journal. BMJ 2014;348:g1823.