Effects of Exercise Modality on Abdominal Obesity and Health Risk Factors in Older Men and Women

The prevalence of abdominal obesity in the elderly is increasing at alarming rates and thus, requires immediate attention. By comparison to younger adults, obesity reduction in the elderly presents a unique challenge and requires an innovative approach. We propose a novel approach to investigate the effects of different exercise types as independent treatment strategies for the reduction of obesity and related health risk factors in older men and women. We propose that exercise without caloric restriction will be associated with modest weight loss (3-5%), that in turn will be associated with significant reduction in abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and a corresponding increase in skeletal muscle mass and function. We will determine the separate effects of resistance and aerobic exercise on these primary outcome variables, and, whether a treatment strategy that combines the two is optimal.