The present study aimed to determine the effect of different interventions on lean body mass maintenance under weight loss conditions in overweight and obese premenopausal women. Three study groups were implemented: (1) Protein supplementation (only) group (2) Protein supplementation and walking intervention (3) Protein supplementation, walking and WB-EMS-application. All protocols were applied for 16 week of intervention.

A energy deficit of 500 kcal/d was intended however while group (1) focus consistently on energy restriction (500 kcal/d), in group (2) and (3) a combined physical activity (i.e. walking with a volume representing 250 kcal/d) and energy restriction (250 kcal/d) protocol was applied. Total protein uptake including protein supplementation was calculated to average around 1.2 g/kg body mass per day in groups (1) and 1.5 g/kg body mass/d in group (2) and (3). WB-EMS was applied 1.5x 20 min/week (i.e. each Tuesday and every second Thursday).

Primary study endpoint was LBM as determined by Dual Energy x-Ray Absorptiometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• premenopausal women 25-50 years old
• overweight/obesity (body fat rate equal or higher 30%)

Exclusion Criteria:

• medication and diseases affecting muscle and fat metabolism
• pregnant or parturition < 6 months
• any condition or medication that prevent proper physical activity or WB-EMS application
• holidays equal or more than 1 week during the intervention period
• other interventions with impact on the primary and core secondary outcome (i.e. body fat parameters) started during the last year.

Outcome assessors were not aware of the status of the participants and were not allowed to ask correspondingly. Each of the participants were blinded according to the treatment and intervention. Participants of the three study groups were not in contact.