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


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Mediano
Mauro Felippe Felix
MF
Applied Physiology to Physical Education Laboratory, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. mffmediano@gmail.com
Barbosa
José Silvio de Oliveira
JS
Moura
Aníbal Sanchez
AS
Willett
Walter C
WC
Sichieri
Rosely
R
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D031204:Caloric Restriction / Q000379:methods*; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003376:Counseling; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL