Long-term change in body composition following intentional weight loss and its effect on physical function
Authors' conclusion
Although the overall intervention effect on physical function was positive, increases in fat mass were associated with poorer physical performance while lean mass loss was associated with weaker strength 8 years post-randomization. Findings highlight the importance of minimizing fat mass gain/regain and loss of lean mass during intentional weight loss.
Study context
- Population
- Middle-aged and older adults with overweight/obesity and T2D, Baton Rouge site of Look AHEAD
- Participants
- 220 participants
- Comparison
- Intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) vs diabetes support and education (DSE)
- Primary endpoint
- Association between changes in body composition (DXA) and physical function (SPPBexp, 20- and 400-m walk, grip and knee extensor strength)
- Follow-up
- 8 years
Methodological detailssingle-site (Baton Rouge)
- Single-site (Baton Rouge)
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Body composition change vs physical function · Year 8
- Increases in fat mass associated with worse SPPBexp scores in ILI and DSE
- p = 0.03
- Increases in fat mass associated with slower gait speed in DSE
- p = 0.01
- Decreases in lean mass associated with weaker grip strength in ILI
- p = 0.04
- Decreases in lean mass associated with weaker knee extensor strength in ILI and DSE
- p < 0.05
Further findings
Mean, %
| Outcome | ILI | DSE |
|---|---|---|
| % change from baseline in weight · 8 years | −4.0 (SD 7.3) | −3.0 (SD 9.7) |
| % change from baseline in fat mass · 8 years | 0.2 (SD 12.5) | 1.2 (SD 17.1) |
| % change from baseline in lean mass · 8 years | −6.5 (SD 5.3) | −5.8 (SD 6.6) |
- SPPBexp scores and gait speed · 8-year follow-up · better SPPBexp scores and faster gait speed with ILI
- P < 0.05
Original publication
Long-term change in body composition following intentional weight loss and its effect on physical function. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 23 December 2025. doi:10.
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