Weight Loss through Lifestyle Intervention Improves Mobility in Older Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The high prevalence of overweight or obesity in older adults is a public health concern because obesity affects health, including the risk of mobility disability. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The Mobility and Vitality Lifestyle Program, delivered by community health workers (CHWs), enrolled 303 community-dwelling adults to assess the impact of a 32-session behavioral weight management intervention. Participants completed the program at 26 sites led by 22 CHWs. Participation was limited to people aged 60-75 who had a body mass index (BMI) of 27-45 kg/m2. The primary outcome was the performance on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) over 12 months. RESULTS: Participants were aged 67.7 (SD 4.1) and mostly female (87%); 22.7% were racial minorities. The mean (SD) BMI at baseline was 34.7 (4.7). Participants attended a median of 24 of 32 sessions; 240 (80.3%) completed the 9- or 13-month outcome assessment. Median weight loss in the sample was 5% of baseline body weight. SPPB total scores improved by +0.31 units (p < .006), gait speed by +0.04 m/s (p < .0001), and time to complete chair stands by -0.95 s (p < .0001). Weight loss of at least 5% was associated with a gain of +0.73 in SPPB scores. Increases in activity (by self-report or device) were not independently associated with SPPB outcomes but did reduce the effect of weight loss. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Promoting weight management in a community group setting may be an effective strategy for reducing the risk of disability in older adults.