Comparative effectiveness of two popular weight loss programs in women III: health and fitness markers

Abstract

42 sedentary women (33+/-7 yrs, 164+/-7 cm; 93+/-19 kg; 46+/-7% body fat, 35+/-6 kg/m2) were randomized to participate in the Curves (C) or Weight Watchers (W) programs for 16-wks. Participants in the C program followed a 1,200 kcal/d diet for 1-wk and 1,500 kcal/d diet for 3 wks (30:45 CHO:PRO). Subjects then ingested 2,000 kcals/d for 2-wks (45:30) and repeated this diet while participating in the Curves with Zumba program 3-d-wk. Remaining subjects followed the W point-based 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 (-6.5+/-4%, p=0.001), waist circumference (-6.2+/-5%, p=0.001), hip circumference (-5.7+/-4%, p=0.001), resting HR (-4.2+/-13%, qp=0.04), resting SBP (-3.2+/-8%, p=0.06), and increased peak aerobic capacity (10.9+/-9%, 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 4.9+/-13, W -1.1+/-11%, p=0.11), leg press 1RM (C 5.8+/-15, W 1.4+/-20%, p=0.44), bench press endurance (C 59+/-100, W 2.7+/-49%, p=0.02), leg press endurance (C 12.3+/-93, W 1.8+/-57%, p=0.66), and peak aerobic capacity (C 12.5+/-9, W 9.6+/-9%, 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.