Association between body mass index and physical activity among prostate cancer survivors

We assessed the associations between (1) body mass index (BMI) and participating in any physical activities (PAs) in past 30 days and (2) cancer and behavioral-related variables and participating in any PAs in past 30 days among prostate cancer (PCa) survivors.

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2018–2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Multivariable weighted logistic regression was used to examine the associations.

Of the 4944 PCa respondents, 22.9% were classified as obese class I and 10.6% as obese class II or III. Obese class I and obese class II or III respondents were significantly less likely to participate in any PAs in past 30 days (odds ratio (OR) = 0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28–0.84 and OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.20–0.67, respectively). Men who received a summary of their cancer treatment were significantly more likely to participate in any PAs in past 30 days (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03–2.28). Men who received instructions from a doctor for routine check-ups after completing treatment for cancer were not significantly more likely to participate in any PAs in past 30 days (OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 0.87–2.12). Current smokers were less likely to participate in any PAs in past 30 days (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.26–0.96).

Obese men and current smokers were less likely to participate in any PAs in past 30 days. Men who received a summary of their cancer treatment were more likely to participate in any PAs in past 30 days. Health care providers should talk to their patients about the benefits of participating in PA and refer PCa patients to available exercise programs.

PA was lowest among obese class II or III PCa survivors. These men could benefit from a coordinated multidisciplinary health care team effort to improve PCa prognosis and QoL.