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In addition to the well-known cardiovascular, metabolic, and cancer causing consequences of obesity, excess weight is also a significant contributor to functional limitation in old age. Current trends suggest that functionally disabled older adults with obesity will soon become the most common reason for frailty. Studies have shown that a 5% to 10% weight loss in older adults results in an immediate improvement in muscle strength and function. Weight loss is good! What happens if we add exercise to active weight loss? A recent study answers that question.
The study divided a group of older adults (average age of 67 years) with obesity (average BMI of 34.4) into three groups:
- Weight loss only – behavioral-based intervention and diet (WL)
- Weight loss – plus aerobic training/walking (WL+AT)
- Weight loss- plus resistance training/progressive weight lifting (WL+RT)
The study lasted 18 months.
What were the findings after 18 months?
- Total body mass (weight) lost with:
WL was 12.5 pounds
WL+AT was 18.7 pounds
WL+RT was 19.1 pounds - Total fat mass lost with:
WL was 10.6 pounds
WL+AT was 15.0 pounds
WL+RT was 17.2 pounds - Total lean mass lost with:
WL was 2.2 pounds
WL+AT was 3.5 pounds
WL+RT was 0.8 pounds
What does this mean?
- Any intentional weight loss in patients with obesity is good.
- Fat mass loss is primarily responsible for weight loss associated with improvements in mobility.
- Lean mass loss is primarily responsible for weight loss associated with declines in strength.
In Summary: Weight loss plus resistance training (WL+RT) results in the greatest weight loss and the most favorable shift in body composition compared to weight loss plus aerobic train (WL+AT) or weight loss (WL) alone therefore maximizing potential functional benefit.
For a comprehensive weight loss program, including safe and effective physical activity recommendations please contact an Obesity Medicine expert: https://www.scottsdaleweightloss.com
Effect of Exercise Type During Intentional Weight Loss on Body Composition in Older Adults with Obesity. Obesity (2017) 25, 1823-1829. doi: 10.1002/oby.21977
Nick
Nick's Story
"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More
Gina
Lost 44.5 lbs
"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.
I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More
Lauren
Lost 60 lbs
"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More
Chuck
Lost 66 lbs
"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.
You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.
Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More
Emily
Lost 101 lbs
"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More
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Meet Our Team
Robert Ziltzer, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Diana Bone, FNP-C
Specializing in Obesity Medicine
Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA
Obesity Medicine Certified Physician
Kristen Ash, FNP-C, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Alicia Earley, FNP-C
Family Nurse Practitioner
