Patient profile: Female, 55 years old.

Presentation: The patient had completed breast cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy. She had gained 10 kg during treatment and was concerned about recurrence risk, fatigue and metabolic health.

Assessment: The assessment included metabolic blood tests, lipids, HbA1c, inflammatory markers, vitamin D, body composition monitoring and review of endocrine treatment side effects.

Clinical picture: This was post-treatment weight gain with central adiposity, fatigue and reduced activity, all contributing to cardiometabolic risk.

Support plan: The plan focused on slow, sustainable recovery. Nutrition followed an anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style pattern rich in phytonutrients, cruciferous vegetables and adequate protein, alongside a managed calorie deficit. Exercise included oncology-informed resistance work to rebuild lean mass and improve metabolic rate. Sleep support and mindfulness-based stress reduction were also used. Where appropriate, GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy was considered after oncology clearance. Omega-3 and vitamin D were also considered as short-term adjuncts. Monitoring included regular body composition checks and metabolic bloods every 3 to 6 months.

Outcome at 12 months: The patient achieved 9% weight loss, regained muscle mass, improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammatory markers. Fatigue improved significantly and overall quality of life improved. She remained engaged with a survivorship follow-up plan.

Key point: After cancer treatment, weight and metabolic support need to be gentle, well-coordinated and sensitive to survivorship needs.