Women who underwent autologous breast reconstruction did not gain as much weight postdiagnosis as those who did not receive reconstruction, according to a propensity-match analysis involving 160 individuals. Participants included women who underwent mastectomy at a single institution between 2008 and 2010 (n=80), and those in a matched cohort who did not receive reconstruction (n=80). Investigators looked at the impact of overall body mass index (BMI) change, as well as change >5%, 1 to 4 years post-diagnosis. Among the results:

• Women undergoing immediate reconstruction had reduced BMI changes 1, 2, and 3 years after diagnosis, vs those who did not have reconstruction.
• After that time, reconstruction was predictive of reduced BMI changes.
• Higher BMI increases were seen in 1) women who were leaner at diagnosis, and 2) those who received chemotherapy.
• Normal baseline BMI and chemotherapy predicted greater BMI increases.

The authors noted that their findings can help clinicians select weight management strategies for high-risk patients.