Item Details

title

Musculoskeletal Response To Weight Loss In Older Adults: Results From Randomized Controlled Trials

author

Stapleton, Joshua Ryan

abstract

Rates of overweight and obesity continue to rise in the aging population of the US, and the prevalence is expected to exceed 50% of adults 65 and older by 2030. In older adults, weight loss (WL) is a controversial topic, as WL is associated with increased risk of fracture secondary to decreases in bone mineral density. Additionally, older adults tend to lose a disproportionate amount of muscle mass during WL, hindering metabolic rate. Metabolic rate is a key component of weight loss maintenance, and cyclical weight loss cycles result in further diminished bone quality. Clinical guidelines for weight loss in older adults suggest that both diet and physical activity can be used to promote healthy WL. Lifestyle interventions that are effective at mitigating weight loss associated musculoskeletal disruption while also having high adherence are imperative to ensure safety during and beyond WL for older adults. This thesis presents results from two clinical trials that aim to promote safe weight loss in older adults through nutrition and physical activity. Computed tomography was used to assess the effect of the interventions on musculoskeletal health outcomes, due to the robust and detailed nature of 3D imaging.

subject

Aging

Exercise

Obesity

Protein

RCT

Weight-Loss

contributor

Weaver, Ashley A. (advisor)

Beavers, Daniel P. (committee member)

Houston, Denise K. (committee member)

date

2025-03-12T08:36:50Z (accessioned)

2025 (issued)

degree

Biomedical Engineering (discipline)

embargo

2030-01-13 (terms)

2030-01-13 (liftdate)

identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/110329 (uri)

language

en (iso)

publisher

Wake Forest University

type

Thesis