Comparison of Two Diet and Exercise Approaches on Weight Loss and Health Outcomes in Obese Women

Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. Methods: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 46.5 ± 7.0% fat) were matched and randomized to participate in the Weight Watchers® Momentum™ (WW) or Curves® (CV) Fitness and Weight Management program for 16 weeks. Participants in the WW group (n = 27) were provided a point-based diet program, received weekly progress checks and counseling, and were encouraged to exercise. Participants in the CV group (n = 24) followed a menu-based higher protein/low-fat diet (1200 kcal/d) for 1 week; 1500 kcal/d diet for 3 weeks; and 2000–2500 kcals/d for 2 weeks that was repeated three times (except the last segment) while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance training program (3 d/wk). A general linear model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze data and are presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Supervised CV training resulted in greater amounts of vigorous and total physical activity. After 16 weeks, both groups lost weight (WW −6.1 [−7.8, −4.6], CV −4.9 [−6.2, −3.2] kg, p = 0.264). Participants in the CV group observed greater reductions in fat mass (WW −2.9 [−6.7, −0.2], CV −6.4 [−9.2, −3.6] kg, p = 0.081) and increases in lean mass (WW −2.5 [−4.3, −0.7], CV 1.3 [−0.6, 3.2] kg, p = 0.005) resulting in more favorable changes in percent body fat (WW −1.4 [−4.1, 1.2], CV −4.7 [−7.5, −1.8] %, p = 0.098). Both groups observed improvements in peak aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, although bench press lifting volume was greater in the CV group. Those in the CV group experienced a greater increase in HDLc and reduction in the CHL–HDLc ratio and triglycerides. Conclusion: Both interventions promoted weight loss and improvements in fitness and markers of health. The CV program, which included supervised resistance training and higher protein diet menus, promoted greater fat loss, increases in lean mass, and improvements in percent body fat and blood lipids. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT04372771, registered retrospectively 1 May 2020.

Effects of Supplementation with Microalgae Extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Mi136) to Support Benefits from a Weight Management Intervention in Overweight Women

“…In the present study, 12 weeks of walking, resistance training, and the maintenance of a modest decrease in energy intake promoted significant weight loss (−1.88 [−0.6, −3.2] kg, p = 0.007), fat loss (−2.4 [−1.3, −3.5] kg, p < 0.001), and a reduction in body fat percent (−2.43 [−1.3, −3.5] %, p < 0.001) while increasing FFM (0.54 [0.06, 1.01] kg, p = 0.03) in both treatment groups. These findings are consistent with our prior research [10,36,[72][73][74][75][76][77] and others [78][79][80][81][82][83] that showed that this type of exercise and dietary intervention promotes a reduction in energy intake and fat loss while maintaining or increasing muscle mass and/or REE. However, beyond a trend toward a greater reduction in energy and a significant reduction in fat intake, supplementation with fucoxanthin did not promote a significant increase in REE or greater weight and fat loss compared with those ingesting a placebo.…”

“…Traditionally, weight-loss interventions have emphasized dietary energy restriction and increasing energy from low-to moderate-intensity exercise. Studies emphasize the role of energy restriction in promoting initial weight loss, with exercise playing a crucial role in weight loss maintenance and improved body composition parameters [10,11]. Combining diet and exercise is a fundamental aspect of weight management interventions.…”