Effects of an intervention and maintenance weight loss diet with and without exercise on anthropometric indices in overweight and obese healthy women

Background and Aims: There is growing evidence that excess body weight and body fat levels may lead to various diseases. A low-calorie diet has been found to reduce body weight and fat; however, 95% of patients regain the weight within a short period of time. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a reduced-calorie diet with and without exercise on body composition profile as well as to evaluate maintenance of weight loss 18 weeks after the intervention had concluded. Methods: Two hundred and six overweight and/or obese women were randomized by a computer to either diet only (DO) or diet and exercise (DE) for an 18-week intervention period and 18 weeks of maintenance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Body mass index (BMI) was reduced by 5.1 in the DE group compared to 3.2 in the DO group 18 weeks after the intervention period had ended; waist circumference (WC) was 14.2 cm lower in the exercise group and 8 cm lower in the diet alone group, and body fat was reduced by 15.5% in the DE group, while no changes were observed in the DO group. Conclusion: A combination of a reduced-calorie diet with exercise may successfully reduce weight, BMI, WC and body fat levels.