Diet and Exercise Best for Improving Physical Function

Add anabolic agents, and you have a winning approach.

"Eat right and get plenty of exercise" is the cornerstone of improved physical function in the elderly, according to the results of new study [1]. The combination of weight loss and exercise provided greater improvements in physical function and ameliorated frailty more than either intervention alone, although weight loss and exercise alone were beneficial, report investigators.

Published in the March 31, 2011 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, the randomized, controlled trial included 107 obese adults aged 65 years of age of older. Patients were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: weight loss alone, exercise alone, weight loss and exercise together, or a control arm. The purpose of the trial was to assess changes on a modified Physical Performance Test (PPT) at one year, as well as to assess measures of frailty, body composition, bone-mineral density, and quality of life.

Find out more to help yourself.