Comparative effectiveness of two popular weight loss programs in women III: fitness markers
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abstract
42 sedentary women (337 yrs, 1647 cm; 9319 kg; 467% body fat, 356 kg/m2) were randomized to participate in the Curves (C) or Weight Watchers (W) programs for 16wks. Participants in the C program followed a 1,200 kcal/d diet for 1wk and 1,500 kcal/d diet for 3 wks (30:45 CHO:PRO). Subjects then ingested 2,000 kcals/d for 2wks (45:30) and repeated this diet while participating in the Curves with Zumba program 3dwk. Remaining subjects followed the W pointbased diet program. Data were obtained at 0, 4, 10, & 16 wks while fitness was assessed at 0 and 16 wks. Data were analyzed by MANOVA. Both programs decreased BMI (6.54%, p=0.001), waist circumference (6.25%, p=0.001), hip circumference (5.74%, p=0.001), resting HR (4.213%, qp=0.04), resting SBP (3.28%, p=0.06), and increased peak aerobic capacity (10.99%, p=0.001). Waist circumference tended to decrease at a faster rate in the C group (qp=0.08) and changes in resting HR were generally improved to a greater degree in the C group. Bench press 1RM (C 4.913, W 1.111%, p=0.11), leg press 1RM (C 5.815, W 1.420%, p=0.44), bench press endurance (C 59100, W 2.749%, p=0.02), leg press endurance (C 12.393, W 1.857%, p=0.66), and peak aerobic capacity (C 12.59, W 9.69%, p=0.31) were generally higher in the C group. Results indicate that participation in the C program improved some markers of health & fitness to a greater degree than the W program.
