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Aim: To compare the efficacy of two popular weight loss approaches on weight loss, body composition, and markers of health in sedentary obese women. Methods: In total, 51 sedentary women (age 34.5 ± 7.7 yrs.; weight 90.0 ± 14.5 kg; BMI 34.0 ± 5.1 kg/m2; 46.5 ± 7.0% fat) were matched and randomized to participate in the Weight Watchers® Momentum™ (WW) or Curves® (CV) Fitness and Weight Management program for 16 weeks. Participants in the WW group (n = 27) were provided a point-based diet program, received weekly progress checks and counseling, and were encouraged to exercise. Participants in the CV group (n = 24) followed a menu-based higher protein/low-fat diet (1200 kcal/d) for 1 week; 1500 kcal/d diet for 3 weeks; and 2000–2500 kcals/d for 2 weeks that was repeated three times (except the last segment) while participating in a supervised circuit-style resistance training program (3 d/wk). A general linear model (GLM) with repeated measures was used to analyze data and are presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Supervised CV training resulted in greater amounts of vigorous and total physical activity. After 16 weeks, both groups lost weight (WW −6.1 [−7.8, −4.6], CV −4.9 [−6.2, −3.2] kg, p = 0.264). Participants in the CV group observed greater reductions in fat mass (WW −2.9 [−6.7, −0.2], CV −6.4 [−9.2, −3.6] kg, p = 0.081) and increases in lean mass (WW −2.5 [−4.3, −0.7], CV 1.3 [−0.6, 3.2] kg, p = 0.005) resulting in more favorable changes in percent body fat (WW −1.4 [−4.1, 1.2], CV −4.7 [−7.5, −1.8]%, p = 0.098). Both groups observed improvements in peak aerobic capacity and muscular endurance, although bench press lifting volume was greater in the CV group. Those in the CV group experienced a greater increase in HDLc and reduction in the CHL–HDLc ratio and triglycerides. Conclusion: Both interventions promoted weight loss and improvements in fitness and markers of health. The CV program, which included supervised resistance training and higher protein diet menus, promoted greater fat loss, increases in lean mass, and improvements in percent body fat and blood lipids. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, #NCT04372771, registered retrospectively 1 May 2020.

Purpose: To determine whether adherence to a repeating 30-d non-linear diet intervention while participating in a supervised exercise program that includes resistance-exercise would promote weight and fat loss without weight loss plateau and whether alterations in carbohydrate and protein intake may influence results. Methods: Fifty sedentary and obese pre-menopausal females (35.2±7.6 years; 88.7±18 kg, 32.6±6 kg/m2, 42.5±4.2% fat) were randomly assigned to an exercise-only (EX) or EX plus diets containing higher proportions of carbohydrate or protein. Diets were hypoenergetic for 30-d (7-d at 1,200 kcals/d, 21-d at 1,500 kcal/d), more isoenergetic for 30-d (2,200 kcals/d), and repeated three times during a 24-wk intervention. Diets were either 45:30:24 (HCD) or 30:45:25 (HPD) carbohydate:protein:fat. All participants performed 30-min resistance exercise (3 d/wk) and a brisk walking program (3 d/wk). Data were analyzed by general linear model (GLM) statistics with repeated measures and presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Participants experienced a significant and reduction in body weight (EX -2.24 [-6.5, 2.0], EX+HCD -6.99 [-9.4, -4.5], EX+HPD -4.49 [-7.1, -1.8] %), fat mass (EX -3.45 [-10.9, 4.03], EX+HCD -12.15 [-16.4, -7.9], EX+HPD -8.54 [-13.2, -3.9] %), and percent body fat (EX -1.30 [-5.6, 3.0], EX+HCD -5.91 [-8.3, -3.5], EX+HPD -4.31 [-7.0, -1.6] %) with those in the EX+HCD experiencing a more linear response. Participants in the EX and EX+HCD groups maintained fat-free mass to a better degree (EX -0.89 [-4.0, 2.2], EX+HCD -3.21 [-5.0, -1.2], EX+HPD -1.92 [-3.8, 0.002] %). Participants dieting generally experiencing greater benefit with some evidence that those in the EX+HPD experienced greater changes in blood lipids. Conclusion: A 30-day repeated non-linear diet can promote fat and weight loss without a plateau. Consuming a HPD may help maintain fat-free mass during weight loss and improve some markers of health compared to HCD interventions.

While commercial dietary weight-loss programs typically advise exercise, few provide actual programing. The goal of this study was to compare the Curves Complete 90-day Challenge (CC, n = 29), which incorporates exercising and diet, to programs advocating exercise (Weight Watchers Points Plus (WW, n = 29), Jenny Craig At Home (JC, n = 27), and Nutrisystem Advance Select (NS, n = 28)) or control (n = 20) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and weight loss. We randomized 133 sedentary, overweight women (age, 47 ± 11 years; body mass, 86 ± 14 kg; body mass index, 35 ± 6 kg/m2) into respective treatment groups for 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using chi square and general linear models adjusted for age and respective baseline measures. Data are means ± SD or mean change ± 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We observed a significant trend for a reduction in energy intake for all treatment groups and significant weight loss for all groups except control: CC (−4.32 kg; 95% CI, −5.75, −2.88), WW (−4.31 kg; 95% CI, −5.82, −2.96), JC (−5.34 kg; 95% CI, −6.86, −3.90), NS (−5.03 kg; 95% CI, −6.49, −3.56), and control (0.16 kg, 95% CI, −1.56, 1.89). Reduced MetS prevalence was observed at follow-up for CC (35% vs. 14%, adjusted standardized residuals (adjres.) = 3.1), but not WW (31% vs. 28% adjres. = 0.5), JC (37% vs. 42%, adjres. = −0.7), NS (39% vs. 50% adjres. = −1.5), or control (45% vs. 55% adjres. = −1.7). While all groups improved relative fitness (mL·kg−1·min−1) because of weight loss, only the CC group improved absolute fitness (L/min). In conclusion, commercial programs offering concurrent diet and exercise programming appear to offer greater improvements in MetS prevalence and cardiovascular function after 12 weeks of intervention.

Resistin and visfatin are secreted by adipose tissue and potential regulators of inflammation and insulin sensitivity. This study examined the effects of exercise and diet-induced weight loss on resistin, visfatin and other adiposity and inflammatory markers. 26 sedentary obese women were randomly assigned into a control (C) or an exercise (E) group that involved circuit resistance-exercise (4 d/wk) with walking (10,000 steps/d, 3 d/wk) while consuming 1,200 kcal/day for 1-wk and 1,500 kcal/d diet for 11 wks consisting of 45:30 % PRO:CHO. Baseline and post-training DEXA body composition and fasting blood samples were obtained and analyzed by MANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis. Data are presented as mean±SD changes from baseline. Participants in the E group lost more weight (E: -13.0±8.9; C: -1.4±3.1 lbs, p=0.001) and fat (E: -5.1±4.5; C:-0.4±1.5 kg, p=0.001). Significant differences were seen between groups in leptin (E: -19.8±21.9; C: 4.5±16 ng/ml, p=0.003) while visfatin (E: -0.09±15.4; C: 89.3±177...

This study examined whether genetic profile influences response to a diet and exercise intervention. 53 sedentary women (38±12 yrs, 80.8±13.9 kg) were randomized to a control group (C) or exercise + diet groups. Those in exercise groups performed circuit resistance-exercise (4 d/wk) and walked (10,000 steps, 3 d/wk). Diets were 1,500 kcal/d with 20:35:45 (CI), 30:25:45 (CII) or 55:30:15 (AHA) percentages of CHO:FAT: PRO. Buccal cheek swabs were obtained at baseline and analyzed for FABP2, PPARG, ADRB-79, ADRB3, and ADRB-46 genes to determine true (T) or false (F) genetic matches to higher CHO or CHO restricted diets. Body weight and DEXA body composition measurements were obtained at 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 wks. Data were analyzed by MANOVA and are presented as changes from baseline. An overall Wilk's Lambda time x diet (p=0.085) and time x diet x genotype (p=0.102) trend was observed. Univariate analysis revealed significant interaction trends in fat mass (C: 0.39±1.26; CI: T -6.16±5.04, F -1.58±2.22...

This study examined whether genotype of some obesity-related genes (FABP2, PPARG, ADRB2-79, ADRB2-46, ADRB3) influences success to different diets while participating in an exercise program. 40 sed...

The purpose of this study was to determine if different types of exercise and diet interventions promote greater changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). 54 sedentary women (34±8 yrs, BMI 35±6) we...

The purpose of this study was to determine if different diet and exercise programs differentially affect android and/or gynoid body composition changes in sedentary women. 54 sedentary women (34±8 ...

The purpose of this study was to determine if different types of exercise and diet interventions promote greater changes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT). 127 sedentary women (46±12 yr, 45.5±5% body fat, 35.1±5 kg/m2) were randomized to participate in a control group (C) or the Curves Complete® program with online support (CC), Weight Watchers® Points Plus (WW), Jenny Craig® (JC), or Nutrisystem® Advance Select™ (NS) weight loss programs for 12-wks. DEXA body composition with VAT determination was obtained at 0 & 12 wks. MANOVA revealed significant (p=

Background Obesity is associated with many negative health outcomes. Diet and exercise has been shown to reduce obesity and various other factors linked to poor health. One of the major concerns is the expense of diet and exercise programs. This study compared the cost effectiveness of four popular weight loss programs and controls in terms of weight loss success and outcomes. Methods

Background A number of psychological interventions have been employed prior to and/or during exercise and weight loss interventions in an attempt to influence exercise adherence, compliance, and/or success. However, few studies have evaluated whether these types of efforts influence program efficacy. The purpose of this study was to determine whether having sedentary and overweight individuals experience the impact of losing weight on work capacity prior to initiation of an exercise and/or weight loss program would influence weight loss success.

Effects of high carbohydrate or high protein energy-restricted diets combined with resistanceexercise on weight loss and markers of health in women with serum triglyceride levels above or below median values Jonathan M Oliver, Julie Y Kresta, Mike Byrd, Claire Canon, Michelle Mardock, Sunday Simbo, Peter Jung, Brittanie Lockard, Deepesh Khanna, Majid Koozehchian, Chris Rasmussen, Chad Kerksick, Richard Kreider

Background The Curves fitness program involves a 30-minute circuit resistance-training program performed 3 days/week and an optional weight management program. While initial studies have shown this program to be highly effective (Nutri Metab 6/1/23, 2009), the long-term success rates of women participating in this program remains to be examined. This study examined the long-term efficacy of women participating in the Curves program from 6 months to 8 years on weight loss and maintenance.

Background A number of commercial diet and exercise programs are promoted to help people lose weight and improve fitness. However, few studies have compared the effects of following different types of exercise and diet interventions on weight loss. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a more structured meal plan based diet intervention and supervised exercise program to a traditional point based diet program with weekly counseling and encouragement to exercise.

Background The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of participating in a resistance-exercise based circuit training program while adhering to a higher protein diet designed to preserve fat free mass (FFM) during weight loss on body composition and markers of health. Then, in a companion paper, determine if exercise and diet-induced weight loss affect markers of inflammation.

Background A number of commercial diet and exercise programs are promoted to help people lose weight and improve fitness. However, few studies have compared the effects of following different types of exercise and diet interventions on weight loss, health, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a more structured meal plan based diet intervention and supervised exercise program that included resistance-exercise to a traditional point based diet program with weekly counseling and encouragement to exercise.

Background A number of commercial diet and exercise programs are promoted to help people lose weight and improve fitness. However, few studies have compared the effects of following different types of exercise and diet interventions on weight loss. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a more structured meal plan based diet intervention and supervised exercise program that included resistance-exercise to a traditional point based diet program with weekly counseling and encouragement to exercise. Methods Fifty-one sedentary women (35±8 yrs, 163±7 cm; 90±14 kg; 47±7% body fat, 34±5 kg/m 2 ) were randomized to participate in the Curves (C) or Weight Watchers (W) weight loss programs for 16-weeks. Participants in the C program were instructed to follow a 1,200 kcal/d diet for 1-week, 1,500 kcal/d diet for 3-weeks, and 2,000 kcals/d diet for 2-weeks, consisting of 30% carbohydrate, 45% protein, and 30% fat. Subjects repeated this diet for the 16-week period. Subjects also participated in the Curves circuit style resistance training program 3-days/week and were encouraged to walk at a brisk pace for 30-minutes on non-training days. This program involved performing 30-60 seconds of bi-directional hydraulic-based resistance exercise on 13 machines interspersed with 30-60 seconds of low-impact callisthenic or Zumba dance exercise. Participants in the W group followed the W pointbased diet program, received weekly counseling at a local W facility, and were encouraged to increase physical activity. Fasting blood samples were obtained at 0, 4, 10, & 16 weeks and analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) with repeated measures for changes in triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), the CHL:HDL-C ratio, and blood glucose. Data are presented as percent changes from baseline for the C and W groups, respectively, after 4, 10, and 16 weeks. Results