A physical activity program to reinforce weight maintenance following a behavior program in overweight/obese subjects

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of a specific program to implement physical activity (fitness program) on weight loss maintenance, activity level and resting energy expenditure (REE). Design: Observational study of subjects completing a behavioral program. Subjects: In total, 200 overweight/obese subjects (36 males, aged 20-66 years; average BMI, 35.2 kg/m 2 ). Program and measurements: The fitness program consisted of 12 bimonthly sessions, chaired by doctors and dietitians, involving groups of 8-12 subjects. Patients entered the program approximately 9 months after the end of behavioral treatment, during a weight loss maintenance period. The goal was set at a light-to-moderate daily physical activity (brisk walking), quantitatively measured by a pedometer; REE was measured before and after the fitness program by indirect calorimetry in a subset of patients. Results: The fitness program restarted the process of weight loss in over 60% of subjects. At the end of the study, 84% of patients walked at least 5000 steps per day, compared with 24% at the beginning of the study. The probability of losing from 5 to 10% of initial body weight increased by 20% for any 1000 steps/day (OR, 1.20; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.07-1.35), and that of losing more than 10% by over 30% (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.19-1.49). REE increased significantly by 100 kcal/day ( þ 7.5%), in spite of further weight loss (À1.8%). Conclusion: A specific fitness program in the weight maintenance phase after a behavioral program may significantly improve the long-term control of obesity.

Text4Diet: A randomized controlled study using text messaging for weight loss behaviors

“…Pedometers are effective for monitoring and increasing PA (Musto et al, 2010;Villanova et al, 2006).…”

Pedometer Step Counts Predict Cardiac Risk Factors at Entry to Cardiac Rehabilitation

“…6 Several specific cardiovascular disease risk factors are inversely related to walking distance. [7][8][9] In particular, greater walking is associated with improved lipids, 10 weight loss, 10,11 weight loss maintenance, 12,13 lower blood pressure (BP), [14][15][16] higher levels of fitness, 17 and positive changes in psychosocial measures. 17 Treadmill walking is an integral component of cardiac rehabilitation (CR).…”

Setting Overweight Adults in Motion: The Role of Health Beliefs

“…Obesity is a risk factor of chronic diseases such as diabetes type 2 and cardiovascular disease [3]. Physical exercise programs have been demonstrated to reduce weight, to support preservation of the reduced weight [4][5][6][7][8], to reduce obesity-related health risks [9], and to improve mental health [10][11][12]. Although physical exercise is beneficial beyond doubt and large physical activity promotion programs have been implemented [13,14], the majority of overweight persons does not engage in sportive activities [15].…”