Low Calorie Diet or Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet Combined With Physical Training for Preserving Muscle Mass During Weight Loss in Sarcopenic Obesity

The prevalence of sarcopenic obesity (SO) is increasing worldwide, posing important challenges to public health and national health care system, especially during the COVID pandemic. In subjects with SO, it is essential to reduce body weight preserving lean mass, in order to avoid a worsening of muscle function. Lifestyle modification with adequate nutrition and proper physical activity is essential to counteract SO progression. In accordance with the Position Statement of the Italian Society of Endocrinology, Very Low Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD), a well established nutritional intervention in the context of obesity, has been promoted also for the treatment of SO. Moreover, the source of protein, timing of intake, and specific amino-acid constitution also represent critical factors in increasing muscle mass and strength. Recent studies have shown how protein supplementation, especially with high leucine content, can be effective in degenerative and end-stage diseases.

To date, the effects of physical training during VLCKD have not been studied. The aim is to determine the efficacy of VLCKD combined with interval training, compared to a VLCKD or a LCD alone, on weight-loss, body composition and physical performance in patient with SO.