Fat Loss Depends on Energy Deficit Only, Independently of the Method for Weight Loss
The ''not so surprising'' truth about weight loss proven beyond all doubt, that nobody wants to hear.
This study investigated the impact of two fat reduction strategies—diet alone versus diet combined with aerobic exercise—on body composition, lipid profiles, and cardiorespiratory fitness in non-obese or moderately obese women (PMID: 18025815).
Key Points
Background
The research aimed to compare the effects of two isocaloric fat reduction programs with an equal energy deficit on various health parameters.
Methods
Participants: 20 non- or moderately obese women (average BMI 24.32) aged approximately 27 years.
Intervention: 8 weeks of a mild hypocaloric diet.
Groups:
Diet Alone (D): Energy deficit of approximately 2,095 kJ/day.
Diet + Exercise (DE): Energy deficit of approximately 1,420 kJ/day from diet plus three 60-minute aerobic sessions per week at 60% VO2 max, totalling about 5,866 kJ/week from exercise.
Measurements: Body mass and fat, lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides), lactate levels during submaximal exertion (100 W), heart rate during exertion, and maximum exercise performance were assessed before and after the intervention.
Results
Both groups experienced significant reductions in body mass and body fat:
Diet Alone (D): Decrease of 1.95 kg (1.47%).
Diet + Exercise (DE): Decrease of 2.23 kg (1.59%).
No significant differences were found between the groups regarding body composition changes.
Lipid profiles showed no significant changes across both groups.
Lactate levels during submaximal exertion decreased significantly in the DE group (-0.8 mmol/l) but increased in the D group (+0.4 mmol/l).
Maximum exercise performance improved significantly in the DE group (+12.2 W) but did not change in the D group.
