Effects of diet and exercise in 337 overweight/obese adults

The purpose of the study was to determine for the first time the effects of a weight loss diet with or without exercise on body fat levels and other anthropometrical characteristics in overweight and obese Cypriot adults.

Three hundred and thirty seven overweight and obese subjects were assigned randomly to either a diet only (DO) or diet and exercise group (DE) for an 18-week period. Both groups received an energy reduced diet of 1500 ± 200 Kcal. Furthermore, the DE group received specific dietary and activity guidelines involving a moderate intensity activity level included any of the following 3 criteria of ACSM guidelines and behavior modification consultation. All data analyses were performed by using the SPSS(v. 16.5) and the level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

No significant differences were observed in both DO and DE groups during baseline period. During the intervention period weight, BMI and WC decreased significantly in DO group (p<0.001). In addition, body fat levels were found to be significantly reduced (p<0.001) in the DE group compared with the DO group. In multiple regression analysis Body fat levels were independently associated with weight (Beta: 0.569, 95%CI: 0.157-1.296, P<0.001) BMI (Beta: 0.295, 95%CI:0.088-1.214, P<0.01) and WC (Beta:0.206, 95%CI:0.095-0.954, P<0.001) after adjustment of age and gender.

Despite the reduced effects of diet alone on body weight, BMI and WC, combining a reduced diet with exercise improves also BF levels which may have important benefits on several diseases later in life.