The effect of a comprehensive weight reduction program on blood variables, body composition, and nutrient intake in obese black women

The effect of comprehensive weight reduction program on selected blood parameters, body composition, and nutrient intake was investigated in 56 obese black women, 22 to 51 years old. Subjects attended nutrition and behavior modification classes once per week for 3 months. Twenty subjects participated in a low impact aerobics programs 3 times per week for 3 months. A 3.8 kg average weight loss was observed. A 2.6% significant reduction in body fat (BF) was observed in the exercise group. Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) fell significantly from 198 to 175 mg/dL, and 130 to 109 mg/dL, respectively, in the exercise group. High density lipo-protein2-cholesterol (HDL2-C) was lowered significantly from 24 to 17 mg/dL in the non-exercise group. Triglycerides, HDL-C, TC/HDL-C ration, glucose, thyroxin, and insulin values were not significantly altered. Significant reductions in protein, fat, and cholesterol intake were reported. A comprehensive weight loss treatment promoted gradual weight loss, changes in body composition and food intake patterns, and significantly altered some blood lipid levels in obese black females.