| dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to analyze whether changes in weight, BMI, anthropometrics, and body composition over the course of a 10-week weight loss intervention would promote changes in psychological measures, including quality of life (SF-36), body image (MBSRQ-AS), self-esteem (RSE), and social physique anxiety (SPAS). Some 207 women (age 47.6±13.2 yrs., height 64±2.6 in, weight 203±42.1, BMI 34.7±6.4, body-fat percentage 41.5±4.4 %) were designated to either an high-protein (HP) or high-carbohydrate (HC) diet in addition to 30 minutes of circuit-based exercise three times per week for 10 weeks. Participants were initially retrospectively analyzed. Assessed at 0 and 10 weeks were weight, BMI, waist/hip ratio, fat mass, fat-free mass, and body-fat percentage parameters as well as psychometrics, including the SF-36, MBSRQ-AS, RSE, and SPAS. Data were analyzed using multiple bivariate correlations, considering both delta changes as well as percent changes from baseline to the conclusion of the intervention. Overall, as female participants lost weight and improved anthropometrics and body composition measures, subsections of both quality of life and body image significantly improved. In fact, these psychosocial improvements occurred even if no weight was lost. Specifically, there were no significant relationships between changes in weight/BMI, anthropometrics, and body composition and change scores in self-esteem or social physique anxiety. Nevertheless, the results of this study suggest there are evident psychological benefits and physiological outcomes of participating in a behavioral weight loss program. These findings positively reinforce the use of physical activity as a means of helping and empowering women with both their physical and mental health. | |
