Noom Weight Loss Study: Promising Results Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Post-diagnosis weight gain is common in early-stage breast cancer and is associated with increased risk of recurrence and mortality. Intentional weight loss is difficult to maintain, and digital lifestyle interventions may provide a scalable approach to address this challenge. Navigating the path to better health can be challenging, but with the right tools and support, it’s possible to make significant strides.

A recent study sheds light on the impact Noom had for weight loss among breast cancer survivors. The findings are not only promising but also inspiring, showcasing how technology and behavioral science can come together to create meaningful health improvements.

Understanding the Study

Thanks to advancements in treatment over the past few decades, most women with early-stage breast cancer transition to survivorship. As of January 2022, there are nearly 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, a number expected to increase over time^1,2. However, obesity remains a significant modifiable risk factor for breast cancer recurrence and mortality among survivors^3,4,5.

Following a breast cancer diagnosis, 50–96% of women experience weight gain, as reported due to hormonal shifts, among other external factors including diet and exercise. Specifically, a post-diagnosis weight gain of 5% or more of baseline body weight, or an increase in body mass index (BMI) of 2.0 kg/m² or greater, is associated with heightened risks of recurrence (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.04–2.24), breast cancer-specific death (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.04–2.24), and all-cause mortality (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.12–2.27)^6,7.

The study evaluated the effectiveness of Noom in helping breast cancer survivors achieve weight loss and improve overall health. Participants used the app over a period of 26 weeks, with the primary goal being a change in self-reported weight from baseline.

To be eligible for the study, participants must have met the following criteria:

• Stage I–III breast cancer
• Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27.5 kg/m² 
• Completion of cancer treatment ≥6 months before study enrollment

In total, 31 patients – 24 were recruited via the Dempsey Center, and 7 recruited via social media – were provided with access to Noom’s flagship program, Noom Weight, with the intent to see a change in self-report weight from baseline to 26 weeks. Secondary endpoints included engagement, changes in physical activity, dietary patterns, and patient-reported outcomes (PRO).

Overall, these breast cancer survivors were highly engaged with Noom, which led to clinically significant weight loss, increased physical activity, maintenance of an energy-restricted diet, and improvements in body image.

Key Findings

Achieving and maintaining intentional weight loss following a breast cancer diagnosis is notably challenging. However, using Noom as a cognitive behavior therapy tool can significantly aid in this journey. With personalized coaching, scientifically-backed strategies, and a supportive community to help individuals develop healthier habits, manage stress, and stay motivated, the patients in this study not only lost weight, but also improved overall well-being, which is crucial for recovery and long-term health.

In this single-arm study in survivors of primary breast cancer, use of Noom led to an average weight loss of nearly 6% over a 26-week intervention period. Higher levels of engagement with Noom was associated with ≥5% weight loss.

1. Significant Weight Loss: Participants experienced an average weight reduction of 10.6 lbs, with 35.5% of them losing at least 5% of their initial weight. This level of weight loss is clinically significant, contributing to better health outcomes and potentially reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.

The mean weight at the conclusion of the 26-week study period was 184.3 lbs. The mean weight change was −10.6 lbs. The mean percent weight change was −5.6%; 11 out of 31 patients (35.5%) lost ≥5% of enrollment weight.

2. High Engagement Levels: Engagement metrics such as the number of articles read, weights logged, food records kept, messages sent, and application usage were closely associated with successful weight loss. This indicates that active participation in the app’s various features can greatly enhance the likelihood of achieving health goals.

The study revealed that, on average, patients opened the Noom app 150 times, read 429 out of 775 available articles, logged 528 meals, recorded 48 exercises, and sent 64 messages to their coach. Key engagement metrics, such as the total number of articles read, weights logged, meals logged, messages sent to coaches, and app openings, were all significantly linked to achieving a weight loss of 5% or more.

3. Increased Physical Activity: The study also noted a significant rise in daily step counts and Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) scores. These improvements underscore the role of physical activity in weight management and overall wellness, especially crucial for breast cancer survivors.

4. Maintenance of a Calorie-Restricted Diet: Participants maintained an energy intake within the range of 1300–1400 kcal/day. Consistently adhering to this calorie intake likely played a pivotal role in supporting weight loss efforts.

5. Enhanced Body Image: Improvements in Body Image Scale scores were another vital outcome. A positive body image can boost confidence and motivation, further encouraging individuals to stick with their health routines.

The Power of Technology in Health Management

While weight gain after a breast cancer diagnosis is linked to poorer outcomes, it is still uncertain whether weight loss can enhance these outcomes. However, the results of this study highlight the potential of digital health tools like Noom in supporting long-term health management for breast cancer survivors.

Specifically for health systems, Noom offers substantial benefits by providing a scalable, evidence-based platform that supports survivorship, chronic disease prevention and management. By leveraging cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), personalized coaching, and advanced data analytics, Noom effectively aids in driving patient engagement and achieving healthier outcomes.

Health systems and providers can integrate Noom into their care models to offer continuous, remote patient support, helping patients make sustainable lifestyle changes. By providing a structured yet flexible platform, Noom can help users navigate their health journeys with confidence and support.

A Partner in Your Health Journey

At the heart of Noom is the idea of guiding and helping people navigate their way to better health. For breast cancer survivors, this study reaffirms that with the right support and tools, achieving significant health improvements is possible. Whether you’re logging meals, tracking steps, or engaging with insightful articles, each action is a step towards a healthier you.

For more detailed insights, you can access the full study here.

Footnotes

^[1] American Cancer Society. Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2019-2021 (American Cancer Society, 2019).

^[2] Giaquinto, A. N. et al. Breast cancer statistics, 2022. CA: A Cancer J. Clin. 72, 524–541 (2022).

^[3] Body mass index and risk of breast cancer: a nonlinear dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Sci. Rep. 4, 7480 (2014).

^[4] Effect of obesity on prognosis after early-stage breast cancer. J. Clin. Oncol. 29, 25–31 (2011).

^[5] Pang, Y., Wei, Y. & Kartsonaki, C. Associations of adiposity and weight change with recurrence and survival in breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Breast Cancer 29, 575–588 (2022).

^[6] Playdon, M. C. et al. Weight gain after breast cancer diagnosis and all-cause mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis. J. Natl Cancer Inst. 107, djv275 (2015).

^[7] Kroenke, C. H., Chen, W. Y., Rosner, B. & Holmes, M. D. Weight, weight gain, and survival after breast cancer diagnosis. J. Clin. Oncol. 23, 1370–1378 (2005).