Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundThere is evidence showing the effectiveness of a hypocaloric diet and the increase in physical activity on weight loss. However, the combined role of these factors, not only on weight loss but also body composition, remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a hypocaloric diet on the body composition of obese adult women throughout different degrees of physical activity during a weight loss program.MethodsOne hundred and seventeen healthy female volunteers were randomly assigned to one of the experimental groups: a control group with a low-level prescription of physical activity (1–4 METs), moderate physical activity group that performed 10.000 steps walking (5–8 METs) and intense physical activity group that trained exercises by at least 70% of VO2max three times a week (> 8 METs). All subjects followed a hypocaloric diet designed with a reduction of 500 kcal/day. Nutritional counseling was provided throughout the study period to help ensure dietary adherence.ResultsWe found no differences in body weight compared to moderate and intense physical activity (ßstand. = − 0.138 vs. ßstand. = − 0.139). Body fat was lower in women following an intense activity (ßstand. = − 0.436) than those with moderate exercise (ßstand. = − 0.231). The high-intense activity also increased muscle mass at the end of the intervention, standing out above the moderate activity (ßstand. = 0.182 vs. ßstand. = 0.008).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that a hypocaloric diet, without prescription of physical activity, is adequate to lose weight in the short term (12 weeks), but physical activity is vital to modify the body composition in women with obesity. Body fat was lower when women practiced a moderate exercise compared to hypocaloric diet only, but an intense physical activity was the most effective protocol to obtain a reduction of body fat and maintain muscle mass.Trial registrationThe study protocol complied with the Declaration of Helsinki for medical studies, it was approved by the bioethical committee of Córdoba University, in the Department of Health at the Regional Government of Andalusia (Act n°284, ref.4156) and retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03833791). Registered 2 January 2019.

Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet and Exercise: Effect of a 10-Week Intervention on Body Composition and CVD Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women—A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The weight loss the participants achieved was in accordance with the study design, which involved a prescribed kcal reduction of −4900 kcal∙week −1 and use of SOP to increase compliance to weight loss protocol. Similar weight loss as a result of kcal deficit has previously been reported in both diet-only groups [ 15 ], and in diet combined with exercise [ 27 ]. The effect of weight-loss on cardiometabolic health seen in this study is reflected in the improvements in most of the CVD risk factors studied.…”

“…The role of LBM as an energy-demanding tissue is important [ 30 ] and conservation of LBM during weight loss can be essential in maintaining the resting metabolic rate [ 31 , 55 ]. Exercise can diminish the reduction of muscle mass during weight loss, independent of diet [ 27 , 56 , 57 ]. In contrast to previous studies, we observed neither a muscle-sparing effect, nor an increase in LBM in our exercise groups, although a relatively large mass of muscle was used during exercise sessions.…”

“…Exercise without weight-loss has a profound effect on physical health in overweight and obese individuals [ 24 , 25 ], and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has a central role in the prevention of CVD, as a greater CRF is associated with lower risk of CVD regardless of body mass index (BMI) [ 26 ]. Weight-loss studies that have included exercise have indicated that this method is beneficial for preserving lean-body mass (LBM) [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Maintaining LBM is important to sustain resting energy expenditure [ 30 , 31 ], to retain strength and function, and improve health [ 32 ].…”

Losing Weight after Menopause with Minimal Aerobic Training and Mediterranean Diet

“…These findings may indicate that a hypocaloric MD, without prescription of physical activity, is sufficient to lose FM and preserve FFM in the short term. However, physical activity may be vital to modify the BC in menopausal women with obesity in the long term [37]. The slight reduction in resting metabolism shows that the MD may be an excellent option for maintaining weight loss in the long term [38].…”

Changes in body composition with a hypocaloric high-protein diet combined with sedentary, moderate and high-intense physical activity in overweight or obese males: a 6-month randomized controlled trial

“…The study expected men who were listed as overweight or obese according to body mass index (BMI, calculated as kg / m2) of ≥25). More detail on the inclusion methodology and information on the interviews carried out can be found in our previously published study [27].…”