Effect of exercise on anthropometric measures and serum lipids in older individuals: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVES
Overweight and obesity are increasing in individuals over age 60 years. This systematic review quantifies the effect of exercise on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and lipids in overweight and obese individuals over the age of 60 years.


SETTINGS
Nine randomised controlled trials conducted in Brazil, Great Britain, Iceland, Japan and the USA compared aerobic and/or resistance exercise with a control group.


PARTICIPANTS
Final analysis reviewed 1166 participants over the age of 60 years for 3-9 months.


PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES
This study reviewed the effects of exercise on BMI, WC and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).


RESULTS
Exercise produced a significant reduction in BMI (-1.01 kg/m(2), 95% CI -2.00 to -0.01) and WC (-3.09 cm, 95% CI -4.14 to -2.04) but not LDL cholesterol (-0.31 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.81 to 0.19). Analyses revealed substantial heterogeneity likely due to the type and intensity of exercise. Data on adverse effects were minimal. The overall level of evidence is moderate due to imprecision and heterogeneity.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercise in overweight and obese older individuals improves anthropometric measures such as BMI and WC. The effect of exercise on serum lipids is unclear.
['Kuhle|Carol L|CL|', 'Steffen|Mark W|MW|', 'Anderson|Paul J|PJ|', 'Murad|Mohammad Hassan|MH|']
D000367:Age Factors D015992:Body Mass Index D002784:Cholesterol D005081:Exercise Therapy D006801:Humans D009765:Obesity D050177:Overweight D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic D055105:Waist Circumference
exercise body mass index aerobic exercise elderly strength training weight loss