Association Between Changes in Body Composition and Physical Function After Intensive Behavioral Weight-loss...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Intentional weight loss improves physical function in older adults with obesity.
• Older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are at high risk for sarcopenia and functional decline.
• Prior studies have not assessed weight loss impacts on physical function and body composition in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine body composition changes related to physical function status.
• To assess middle-aged and older adults with T2DM and overweight/obesity.
• To analyze data from a 12-month intensive weight-loss intervention.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of the Look AHEAD dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) substudy data.
• Examined percent change in appendicular lean mass (ALM) and fat mass (FM).
• Correlated changes with SF-36 physical function subscale changes using ANOVA.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in ALM change across physical function groups (p=0.05).
• Significant differences in FM change across physical function groups (p<0.01).
• 22% improved, 69% stable, and 8% worsened physical function.

Conclusions:

• Lifestyle weight loss interventions do not negatively impact physical function despite lean mass loss.
• Interventions improve physical function by reducing adiposity in adults with T2DM and obesity.
• Fat mass reduction is associated with physical function improvement.