Comparative effectiveness of two popular weight loss programs in women IV: quality of life

42 sedentary women (33±7 yrs, 164±7 cm; 93±19 kg; 46±7% body fat, 35±6 kg/m 2 ) 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 and analyzed by MANOVA. Both programs increased ratings of physical functioning (16.5±34%, p=0.002), vitality (19.9±30%, p=0.002), bodily pain (15.7±33%, p=0.03), and general health (16.7±40%, p=0.001) while tending to increase role physical (14.7±46%, p=0.11) and role emotion (−6.5±4%, p=0.08). Significant interactions were seen in physical function (C 89.7±11, 91.8±9, 93.8±7, 94.1±10; W 75.2±87.6, 87.6±14, 88.6±14, 88.1±16, q p =0.05) and vitality (C 53.5±14, 61.8±13, 62.1±13, 60.0±12; W 48.1±12, 55.2±10, 54.0±15, 57.9±16, q p =0.05) with participants in the C group experiencing significantly higher values. Results indicate that participation in the C and W programs generally improved markers of quality of life and that subjects participating in the C group may experience greater improvement in vitality than those in the W group.