Effects of lifestyle activity vs structured aerobic exercise in obese women: a randomized trial
Andersen, R.E.; Wadden, T.A.; Bartlett, S.J.; Zemel, B.; Verde, T.J.; Franckowiak, S.C.
JAMA 281(4): 335-340
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0098-7484 PMID: 9929086 Document Number: 504208
Context: Physical inactivity contributes to weight gain, but only 22% of Americans are regularly active. Objective: To examine short- and long-term changes in weight, body composition, and cardiovascular risk profiles produced by diet combined with either structured aerobic exercise or moderate-intensity lifestyle activity. Design: Sixteen-week randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up, conducted from August 1995 to December 1996. Participants and Setting: Forty obese women (mean body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), 32.9 kg/M2; mean weight, 89.2 kg) with a mean age of 42.9 years (range, 21-60 years) seen in a university-based weight management program. Interventions: Structured aerobic exercise or moderate lifestyle activity; low-fat diet of about 1200 kcal/d. Main Outcome Measures: Changes in body weight, body composition, cardiovascular risk profiles, and physical fitness at 16 weeks and at 1 year. Results: Mean (SD) weight losses during the 16-week treatment program were 8.3 (3.8) kg for the aerobic group and 7.9 (4.2) kg for the lifestyle group (within groups, P<.001; between groups, P = .08). The aerobic group lost significantly less fat-free mass (0.5 (1.3) kg) than the lifestyle group (1.4 (1.3) kg; P = .03). During the 1-year follow-up, the aerobic group regained 1.6 (5.5) kg, while the lifestyle group regained 0.08 (4.6) kg. At week 16, serum triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels were reduced significantly (P<.001) from baseline (16.3% and 10.1% reductions, respectively) but did not differ significantly between groups and were not different from baseline or between groups at week 68. Conclusions: A program of diet plus lifestyle activity may offer similar health benefits and be a suitable alternative to diet plus structured aerobic activity for obese women.