Effects of exercise training and dietary behavior modification on weight reduction and lipoprotein lipids in female hospital employees.

A study was carried out to evaluate the relative contribution of exercise training and dietary modification on weight loss and selected coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in overweight female subjects. Forty-eight subjects were randomized into three intervention groups. An exercise only group (I), a diet only group (II) and exercise and diet group (III). All subjects were enrolled for a period of 12 weeks. Groups I and III exercised five days per week for a minimum of 40 minutes per session. Groups II and III met two hours per week for behavioral modification sessions. After 12 weeks, subjects in all groups had lost a significant amount of weight. Groups I and III had positive changes in the level of their lipoprotein lipids while group II remained unchanged except for their level of triglycerides, which were reduced significantly. Groups I and III had a significant increase in work capacity, as well as a significant drop in resting heart rate and blood pressure. Results showed that the combined effects of exercise and dietary modification can have a more profound effect on weight loss when compared with either intervention used alone. The significance of exercise induced lipid changes and blood pressure reduction are discussed in light of risk status for CHD.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes