A randomized clinical trial of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on obesity prevention among women

Abstract

Objective: The study investigated the effectiveness of home-based exercise combined with a slight caloric restriction on weight change during 12 months in non-obese women.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial with a factorial design was conducted from 2003 to 2005. Two hundred three middle-aged women (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil), 25-45 years, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: control (CG) and home-based exercise (HB). The HB group received a booklet on aerobic exercise that could be practiced at home (3 times/week-40 min/session), in low-moderate intensity, during 12 months. Both groups received dietary counseling aimed at a slight energy restriction of 100-300 calories per day.

Results: The HB experienced a greater weight loss in the first 6 months (-1.4 vs. -0.8 kg; p=0.04), but after 12 months there was no differences between groups (-1.1 vs. -1.0; p=0.20). Of the serum biochemical markers, HDL cholesterol showed major change, with an increase at month 12 of 18.3mg/dl in the HB compared to 9.5 in the CG (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Home-based exercise promoted greater weight reduction during the first 6 months after which no further benefits are observed. Continuous favorable changes in HDL cholesterol after 1 year suggest that home-based exercise promote health benefits.

Figure 1

Progress of participants through the trial (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, 2003–2005). LGI - Low glycemic index; HGI - High glycemic index

Figure 2

Estimated changes in weight, waist circumference and HDL-cholesterol based on repeated measurement analysis (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, 2003–2005). HB group – home-based exercise group

Figure 2

Estimated changes in weight, waist circumference and HDL-cholesterol based on repeated measurement analysis (Rio de Janeiro/Brazil, 2003–2005). HB group – home-based exercise group