Stronger muscles in later life

Published in: N Engl J Med 2017
People studied: 160

In 160 older adults with obesity, weight loss with strength or combined exercise raised strength by about 18%.

Checked against: PubMed 28514618
Published in: N Engl J Med 2017
Last checked: 30 October 2026

Key takeaway

This trial randomly assigned 160 older adults with obesity to a weight programme plus aerobic, strength or combined exercise, or to no programme, for 6 months. The programme groups lost about 9% of their weight on average. Physical performance scores rose about 21% with combined exercise. Strength rose about 18 to 19% with strength or combined training, and these groups lost less muscle and hip bone than the aerobic group.

At a glance

Type of study: randomised trial
People studied: 160
How long: 6 months
Compared with: a control group with no weight or exercise programme, and different types of exercise
Main result: Strength rose about 18% when strength training was added to weight loss.
Strength of evidence: Randomised trials

What this study does not show

Every programme group also exercised, so the trial cannot show what weight loss alone does. Six months only, some muscle and bone were still lost, and some people had exercise injuries.

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.