Weight Loss in Adults Over 50 with Obesity

Effects of Dietary Protein Intake and Resistance Training on Retention of Fat Free Mass During Weight Loss in Adults Over 50 with Obesity

The purpose of this study is to examine the separate and combined effects of a high-protein (HP) diet and resistance training (RT) on body composition and potential biological moderators of body weight in women and men >50y. All participants will receive dietary physical activity guidance through our group-based weight loss program, State of Slim (SOS). The SOS program will be delivered via the Zoom videoconferencing platform. These participants will be randomized to receive either a counseling-based HP diet plan or RT plan. Body composition assessments at 8 wk will identify responders and non-responders; the latter will be re-randomized to "augment" (HP: add protein supplements; RT: supervise RT) or "combine" (HP with protein supplements + supervised RT).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or Female
• Age ≥50 years
• Post-menopausal if Female
• BMI of 30-50 kg/m2 for ambulatory participants (less than or equal to 350 lbs.)
• BMI of 25-50 kg/m2 for wheelchair users (less than or equal to 350 lbs.)
• Ambulatory with or without a walking device or use of a manual wheelchair for mobility.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Untreated hyper or hypothyroidism.
• Cancer (except basal cell).
• Gastrointestinal disorders affecting food intake.
• <3 months of stable use of medications that affect metabolism, body weight, energy expenditure or appetite.
• Current eating disorder (e.g., binge eating disorder, anorexia, or bulimia).
• Any medical condition for which following a HP diet and/or 70 minutes of exercise daily would be inadvisable.
• Uses a powered wheelchair for mobility.
• Has a pacemaker or any other life-sustaining medical implant.