Kleist B, et al. – In a study population of overweight and obese individuals, researchers assessed the changes in body weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and endocrine and cardiometabolic risk variables following an intervention comprising an energy–restricted diet with and without moderate walking. According to findings, significant reductions in body weight and fat mass occurred as a result of participation in a 12–wk weight–loss study. Furthermore, this 12–wk intervention was also found to be associated with significant improvements in biomarkers for cardiovascular disease risk. Moderate weight loss was not accompanied by a reduction in REE. Also, it was noted that the impacts of a diet (DI) on fat loss and serum insulin were enhanced by additional moderate walking.

Methods

• Researchers conducted a 12-wk, randomized, 2-arm, parallel, controlled, energy-restricted (500–800 kcal/d) dietary intervention study in 82 men and women [mean baseline characteristics: age, 39.4 y; weight, 99.3 kg; body mass index (in kg/m²), 31.9].
• They classified participants into 2 groups: one group received a hypoenergetic diet (DI) only (n = 44) and second group received the same DI and participated in a regular walking program of 2.5 h/wk (DI + walking; n = 38).

Results

• Findings demonstrated that after the 12-wk intervention, body weight was significantly decreased in the DI + walking group and the DI group (-8.8 compared with -7.0 kg, P = 0.064 for intergroup differences).
• Researchers noted that the decrease in body weight was accompanied by a significant reduction in total fat mass, which was significantly more pronounced in the DI + walking group than in the DI group (-6.4 ± 3.1 compared with -4.8 ± 3.0 kg; P = 0.020).
• They also observed that REE after 12 wk was not significantly different compared with the baseline REE.
• Data revealed that diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol were similarly significantly improved by both interventions.
• In addition, in the DI + walking group, insulin and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index were also significantly reduced.
• Results highlighted that serum free triiodothyronine was significantly decreased and serum cortisol was significantly increased in both groups.