Calorie Restriction and Changes in Body Composition, Disease, Function, and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Calorie Restriction and Changes in Body Composition, Disease, Function, and Quality of Life in Older Adults

The investigators want to determine if the benefits of weight loss outweigh the potential risk in a group of older adults. The investigators will test the hypothesis that changes in diet composition alone or in conjunction with weight loss will have a significant effect on fat stores, and as a result, improve cardiometabolic risk factors and functional status in adults 65 and older.

Inclusion Criteria:

• at least 65 years of age
• BMI 27 - 42 kg/m2 - at increased health risk (taking at least 1 medication for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or type 2 diabetes)

Exclusion Criteria:

• difficulties chewing or swallowing food
• digestive diseases that may affect the ability to follow a high fiber diet
• cognitive impairment
• depression
• recent weight change (+/- 10 lbs in the last 12 months)
• poorly controlled blood pressure
• history of non-skin cancer in last 5 years
• cardiovascular disease event in past 6 months or severe pulmonary disease or renal failure
• major liver dysfunction
• current smoker or quit less than months prior
• history of prior surgical procedures for weight control or liposuction
• use of estrogen or testosterone replacement therapy
• current use of insulin or sulfonylurea agents
• current use of corticosteroids > 5 days/month on average
• current use of medications for treatment of psychosis or manic-depressive illness
• use of weight-loss medications in previous 3 months
• dependence on others for food procurement or preparation
• ischemic changes on exercise treadmill test