Less tiredness in later life

Published in: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2019
People studied: 180

In 180 adults aged 65 to 79, eating fewer calories alongside exercise eased tiredness more than exercise alone.

Checked against: PubMed 29982294
Published in: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2019
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Key takeaway

This 20-week trial randomly assigned 180 adults aged 65 to 79 with obesity to treadmill exercise alone, or exercise with a moderate (about 250 kcal a day) or larger cut in calories. Both groups who ate less reported a greater improvement in tiredness and in disability than the group who only exercised, and their fitness and blood sugar control improved more too. The moderate cut worked as well as the larger one.

At a glance

Type of study: randomised trial
People studied: 180
How long: 20 weeks
Compared with: people aged 65 to 79 who exercised without cutting calories
Main result: Fewer calories plus exercise eased tiredness more than exercise alone.
Strength of evidence: Randomised trials

What this study does not show

Only 20 weeks long, and tiredness and disability were self-reported. The abstract does not say how much weight people 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.