Easier walking and daily life

Published in: Am J Clin Nutr 2015
People studied: 126

In 126 adults aged 65 to 79, adding weight loss to strength training went with a faster 400 m walk and less reported disability.

Checked against: PubMed 25762810
Published in: Am J Clin Nutr 2015
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Key takeaway

This 5-month trial (the Improving Muscle for Functional Independence Trial) randomly assigned 126 adults aged 65 to 79 with overweight or obesity to strength training with or without a weight-loss diet. Only the diet group lost weight. At the end, that group was faster on a 400 metre walk and reported less disability, while strength gains were similar in both groups.

At a glance

Type of study: randomised trial
People studied: 126
How long: 5 months
Compared with: people aged 65 to 79 who did strength training without a weight-loss diet
Main result: Faster 400 m walk and less reported disability with added weight loss.
Strength of evidence: Randomised trials

What this study does not show

Five months only, in a fairly small group, and disability was self-reported. Only the diet group lost some lean (muscle) mass, and the abstract does not say how much weight was lost.

Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.