Weight loss and exercise differentially affect insulin sensitivity, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in older adults with obesity; a randomized controlled trial
Abstract Background Aging-related disease risk is exacerbated by obesity and physical inactivity. It is unclear how weight loss and increased activity improve risk in older adults. We aimed to determine the effects of diet-induced weight loss with and without exercise on insulin sensitivity, VO2peak, body composition, and physical function in older obese adults. Methods Physically inactive older (68.6 ± 4.5 years) obese (BMI 37.4 ± 4.9 kg/m 2) adults were randomized to: Health education control (HEC; n=25); Diet-induced weight loss (WL; n=31); or Weight loss and exercise (WLEX; n=28) for 6 months. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, body composition by DXA and MRI, strength by isokinetic dynamometry, and VO2peak by graded exercise test. Results WLEX improved (p<0.05) peripheral insulin sensitivity (+75 ± 103%) vs. HEC (+12 ± 67%); WL (+36 ± 47%) vs. HEC did not reach statistical significance. WLEX increased VO2peak (+7 ± 12%) vs. WL (-2 ± 24%), and prevented reductions in strength and lean mass induced by WL (p<0.05). WLEX decreased abdominal adipose tissue (-16 ± 9%) vs. HEC (-3 ± 8%) and intermuscular adipose tissue (-15 ± 13 %) vs. both HEC (+9 ± 15%) and WL (+2 ± 11%) (p<0.01). Conclusions Exercise with weight loss improved insulin sensitivity and VO2peak, decreased ectopic fat, and preserved lean mass and strength. Weight loss alone decreased lean mass and strength. Older adults intending to lose weight should perform regular exercise to promote cardiometabolic and functional benefits, which may not occur with calorie restriction-induced weight loss alone.