A biobehavioral model of weight loss associated with meditative movement practice among breast cancer survivors. Issue 1 (24th December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larkey, Linda K; Vega-López, Sonia; Keller, Colleen; McClain, Darya; Ainsworth, Barbara; Ohri-Vachaspati, Punam; Smith, Lisa; Jeong, Mihyun
• Is Part Of: Health psychology open. Volume 1:Issue 1(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-12-24
• Subjects: breast cancer -- eating behavior -- exercise -- model -- obesity -- psychological disturbance; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine and psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/2055102914565495
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-1029

Abstract

Women with breast cancer often experience weight gain during and after treatment, significantly increasing risk for recurrence as well as all-cause mortality. Based on a growing body of evidence, meditative movement practices may be effective for weight management. First, we describe the effects of stress on factors associated with weight gain for breast cancer survivors. Then, a model is proposed that utilizes existing evidence to suggest how meditative movement supports behavioral, psychological, and neurohormonal changes that may explain weight loss. Application of the model suggests how a novel "mindful-body-wisdom" approach may work to help reduce weight for this at-risk group.