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A Comprehensive Lifestyle Program Improves Mood State and Metabolic Parameters with Low Attrition Rate in Overweight Subjects
Author(s) -
Talbott Shawn M,
Christopulos AnneMarie,
Ekberg Candice
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a56
Subject(s) - mood , overweight , medicine , weight loss , basal metabolic rate , endocrinology , regimen , weight management , profile of mood states , aerobic exercise , obesity , physical therapy , psychiatry
PURPOSE: Previous studies have shown that weight loss via dietary restriction results in undesirable changes in mood, metabolic rate, and hormone profile. This study examined the effects of a combined diet/exercise/supplement weight loss regimen on mood state and metabolic parameters. METHODS: We recruited 32 overweight men and women to participate in a 12‐week program of stress management, nutrition intervention, exercise, and dietary supplementation. Subjects followed a moderate calorie‐restricted diet based on resting metabolic rate (RMR), plus moderate exercise (3 d/wk aerobic & 2 d/wk strength), stress management (daily) and an herbal dietary supplement (daily) intended to improve mood and increase energy levels. We measured body weight (BW), RMR, body fat (BF), salivary cortisol and testosterone (C and T), total cholesterol (TC), LDL, HDL, glucose (G), triglycerides (TG), and global mood state (MOOD) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Twenty‐nine subjects completed the program (9% attrition), suggesting that the program was easy to follow. Significant changes were found for BW, BF, T, TC, LDL, and MOOD (all p<0.05 by paired t‐test compared to baseline values). Indices of depression and fatigue were reduced by 52% and 48%, respectively (both, p<0.05). RMR, C, HDL, G, and TG were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a lifestyle regimen incorporating stress management, exercise, nutrition, and dietary supplementation results in favorable changes in body composition, metabolic hormones, mood, and cardiovascular parameters. The low attrition rate and improved mood suggest that effective weight loss need not be overly restrictive, and thus may result in superior long‐term adherence and better maintenance of weight loss.