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A physical activity program to reinforce weight maintenance following a behavior program in overweight/obese subjects

International Journal of Obesity volume 30, pages 697–703 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the effects of a specific program to implement physical activity (fitness program) on weight loss maintenance, activity level and resting energy expenditure (REE).

Design:

Observational study of subjects completing a behavioral program.

Subjects:

In total, 200 overweight/obese subjects (36 males, aged 20–66 years; average BMI, 35.2 kg/m2).

Program and measurements:

The fitness program consisted of 12 bimonthly sessions, chaired by doctors and dietitians, involving groups of 8–12 subjects. Patients entered the program approximately 9 months after the end of behavioral treatment, during a weight loss maintenance period. The goal was set at a light-to-moderate daily physical activity (brisk walking), quantitatively measured by a pedometer; REE was measured before and after the fitness program by indirect calorimetry in a subset of patients.

Results:

The fitness program restarted the process of weight loss in over 60% of subjects. At the end of the study, 84% of patients walked at least 5000 steps per day, compared with 24% at the beginning of the study. The probability of losing from 5 to 10% of initial body weight increased by 20% for any 1000 steps/day (OR, 1.20; 95% CI (confidence interval), 1.07–1.35), and that of losing more than 10% by over 30% (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.19–1.49). REE increased significantly by 100 kcal/day (+7.5%), in spite of further weight loss (−1.8%).

Conclusion:

A specific fitness program in the weight maintenance phase after a behavioral program may significantly improve the long-term control of obesity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Unit of Metabolic Diseases, ‘Alma Mater Studiorum’ University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    N Villanova, F Pasqui, S Burzacchini, G Forlani, R Manini, A Suppini, N Melchionda & G Marchesini

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  1. N Villanova
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  2. F Pasqui
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Correspondence to G Marchesini.

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Villanova, N., Pasqui, F., Burzacchini, S. et al. A physical activity program to reinforce weight maintenance following a behavior program in overweight/obese subjects. Int J Obes 30, 697–703 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803185

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