Exercise with Nutrition Education to Improve Quality of Life of Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: Most evidence for the relationship between physical activity, nutrition education, and late effects from cancer treatment come from cross-sectional studies. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if 8 weeks of exercise and nutrition education in adolescent and young adult (AYA) survivors positively affects fatigue, quality of life, health-related fitness, and dietary intake. Methods: The exercise program targeted improvement in multiple areas of health-related fitness. A Registered Dietitian conducted nutrition education sessions with goal setting. To encourage activity, social engagement, and support, participants connected to a study-specific group. Fatigue and QoL (FACIT, PedsQL Teen, and Young Adult), health-related fitness (cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, anthropometrics), nutrition knowledge, and dietary intake assessments were conducted at weeks 1 and 10. Participant perceptions of strengths and weaknesses within the program were assessed after program completion. Results: Twenty four (16.6 ± 2.8 years) AYA cancer survivors began and completed the program. Problems with fatigue (PedsQL Teen and Young Adult) significantly improved along with decreased perceived barriers to exercise. Participants significantly improved cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and muscular strength and endurance. Trying to make healthy nutrition choices, understanding how to read nutrition labels, and identifying a saturated fat significantly improved without a significant change in dietary intake. Participants' favorite program components related to exercise and social support. Conclusion: In view of the short- and long-term impacts of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, as well as the benefits of physical activity on these factors, exercise programs with social support should be considered adjuvant therapy among AYA cancer survivors.

Caffeine Transiently Affects Food Intake at Breakfast.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is frequently added to dietary supplements with claims it facilitates weight loss. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that caffeine administration reduces laboratory and free-living food intake by reducing appetite and that these effects vary by body mass index (BMI). PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Fifty adults aged 18 to 50 years completed the study (42% male). Exclusion criteria included no previous experience with caffeine, previous adverse event following caffeine consumption, taking any medications or having a medical condition contraindicating caffeine or stimulant consumption or affecting appetite or eating, and reported tobacco use within the past 6 months. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION: Participants visited the laboratory on four separate occasions to complete a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover study. On the first three visits, participants consumed a beverage containing 0, 1, or 3 mg/kg caffeine (order randomized). Thirty minutes later, participants consumed a buffet breakfast, ad libitum. After leaving the laboratory, participants completed hourly appetite assessments and dietary habit books until midnight or bedtime. The fourth session consisted of questionnaires, debriefing, and compensation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total and macronutrient intake and appetite sensations in and out of the laboratory were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Intake data were analyzed using mixed analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Appetite sensations were analyzed using repeated measures mixed ANCOVA. RESULTS: Total laboratory energy intake was lower (∼10%) after 1 mg/kg caffeine (650.4±52.2 kcal at 1 mg/kg; 721.2±63.2 at 0 mg/kg; 714.7±79.0 at 3 mg/kg) (P=0.046). In the laboratory, appetite sensations were not significantly different by caffeine treatment. Out of the laboratory, neither total intake nor appetite was significantly different by caffeine treatment. There were no significant interactions between caffeine treatment and BMI on intake and appetite sensations in or out of the laboratory. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest caffeine has weak, transient effects on energy intake and do not support caffeine as an effective appetite suppressant.