Effects of resistance training and dietary changes on physical function and body composition in overweight and obese older adults

• Published in: Journal of physical activity & health 2012-08, Vol.9 (6), p.875-883
• Main Authors: Straight, Chad R, Dorfman, Leah R, Cottell, Kathryn E, Krol, Julie M, Lofgren, Ingrid E, Delmonico, Matthew J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adults; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Body Composition; Body mass; Body Mass Index; Body Weights and Measures; Diet (effects); Diet (weight control); Diet - methods; Exercise Test; Female; Gerontology; Humans; Intervention; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength; Obesity; Obesity - therapy; Older people; Overweight - therapy; Resistance exercise; Resistance Training - methods; Rhode Island; Sarcopenia; Strength; Strength training
• ISSN: 1543-3080; 1543-5474
• DOI: 10.1123/jpah.9.6.875

Community-based interventions that incorporate resistance training (RT) and dietary changes have not been extensively studied in overweight and obese older adults. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a community-based RT and dietary intervention on physical function and body composition in overweight and obese older adults. Ninety-five overweight and obese (BMI=33.4±4.0 kg/m2) older adults aged 55-80 years completed an 8-week RT and dietary intervention at 4 Rhode Island senior centers. Participants performed RT twice-weekly using resistance tubing, dumbbells, and ankle weights. Participants also attended 1 weekly dietary counseling session on a modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. Outcome measurements included anthropometrics, body composition, and physical function. There were small changes in body mass (-1.0±1.8 kg, P