This study, conducted by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, aimed to evaluate the effects of weight loss and exercise on physical function in obese older adults. The randomized, controlled trial involved 107 participants aged 65 or older who were obese. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group, a diet group, an exercise group, or a diet-exercise group. The primary outcome measure was the change in score on the modified Physical Performance Test, with secondary outcomes including measures of frailty, body composition, bone mineral density, specific physical functions, and quality of life. The results showed that the diet-exercise group had the most significant improvement in physical function, with a 21% increase in the Physical Performance Test score compared to the diet group (12%) and the exercise group (15%). Additionally, the diet-exercise group saw a greater improvement in peak oxygen consumption and functional status questionnaire scores. Body weight decreased more in the diet-exercise group (9%) compared to the diet group (10%) and the exercise group (1%). Lean body mass and bone mineral density at the hip decreased less in the diet-exercise group than in the diet group. Strength, balance, and gait also improved consistently in the diet-exercise group. The study concluded that combining weight loss and exercise provides greater improvement in physical function than either intervention alone, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial for obese older adults to maintain their functional independence.This study, conducted by researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, aimed to evaluate the effects of weight loss and exercise on physical function in obese older adults. The randomized, controlled trial involved 107 participants aged 65 or older who were obese. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group, a diet group, an exercise group, or a diet-exercise group. The primary outcome measure was the change in score on the modified Physical Performance Test, with secondary outcomes including measures of frailty, body composition, bone mineral density, specific physical functions, and quality of life. The results showed that the diet-exercise group had the most significant improvement in physical function, with a 21% increase in the Physical Performance Test score compared to the diet group (12%) and the exercise group (15%). Additionally, the diet-exercise group saw a greater improvement in peak oxygen consumption and functional status questionnaire scores. Body weight decreased more in the diet-exercise group (9%) compared to the diet group (10%) and the exercise group (1%). Lean body mass and bone mineral density at the hip decreased less in the diet-exercise group than in the diet group. Strength, balance, and gait also improved consistently in the diet-exercise group. The study concluded that combining weight loss and exercise provides greater improvement in physical function than either intervention alone, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial for obese older adults to maintain their functional independence.