Work

Heterogeneity in Treatment Outcomes After a Multicomponent Weight Loss Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Older adults age 65+ with obesity are a growing population with marked clinical complexity which is exacerbated by comorbid conditions as they age. Assessing clinical heterogeneity in participants in a weight loss intervention is essential in understanding treatment outcomes. Methods We previously conducted a single arm, pre/post, 24-week, telemedicine-delivered diet and exercise intervention in older adults with obesity. Heterogeneity in treatment outcomes were evaluated between baseline and follow-up weight, 30-second sit-to-stand (30STS), six-minute walking test (6MWT), resting oxygen consumption (VO 2) , and total energy expenditure (TEE). Distributions of differences in physical function before and after the weight loss intervention were evaluated based on participants' weight loss response status. Results Of the 53 enrolled participnts, 44 completed the study, but 31 had full follow-up measures. The mean (SD) age was 72.9±3.9 years (72.7% female). Across all participants, weight decreased from 97.8±16.3 to 93.2±15.8kg and BMI dropped from 36.5±5.2 to 34.7±5.4 kg/m 2 . Twenty-two individuals were classified as responders to the weight-loss intervention having achieved more than 5% weight loss. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physical function, though the magnitude of differences was insignificant other than 6MWT (p=0.04) at 24-weeks. There was variability observed in correlation coefficients (r) between percent weight-loss and 30STS (r=-0.23), 6MWT (r=-0.10), resting VO 2 (r=-0.16), and TEE (r=0.058). The coefficient of variation for changes from baseline in physical function measures demonstrated marked variability: 134%, 299%, 260%, and 2310% for 30STS, 6MWT, resting VO 2 , and TEE, respectively. Conclusions While older adults can improve outcomes in weight, body mass, and waist circumference through diet and physical activity interventions, there was marked heterogeneity observed in physical function outcomes.

Source: Current Developments in Nutrition

DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.107649