title: Effect of exercise on anthropometric measures and serum lipids in older individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Overweight and obesity are increasing in individuals over age 60 years. This systematic review quantifies the effect of exercise on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and lipids in overweight and obese individuals over the age of 60 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nine randomised controlled trials conducted in Brazil, Great Britain, Iceland, Japan and the USA compared aerobic and/or resistance exercise with a control group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Final analysis reviewed 1166 participants over the age of 60 years for 3-9 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study reviewed the effects of exercise on BMI, WC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exercise produced a significant reduction in BMI (-1.01 kg/m(2), 95% CI -2.00 to -0.01) and WC (-3.09 cm, 95% CI -4.14 to -2.04) but not LDL cholesterol (-0.31 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.81 to 0.19). Analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity likely due to the type and intensity of exercise. Data on adverse effects were minimal. The overall level of evidence is moderate due to imprecision and heterogeneity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Exercise in overweight and obese older individuals improves anthropometric measures such as BMI and WC. The effect of exercise on serum lipids is unclear.
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Carol L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Kuhle
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Mark W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Steffen
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.affiliation: Division of Preventive Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
authors.forename: Mohammad Hassan
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Murad
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000097:blood* / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055105:Waist Circumference
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol
keywords: aerobic exercise; body mass index; elderly; exercise; strength training; weight loss