May 8, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL — It’s no secret that exercise is an important part of losing weight and keeping it off. But what kind of exercise is most efficient? Resistance training such as lifting weights or aerobic exercise? UAB researchers will study the question as part of a project funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health.

“We know that exercise is a key to weight loss and maintenance,” says Gary Hunter, Ph.D., professor of education and principal investigator. “However, we also know that 80-90 percent of people who lose weight regain the weight within four years. If we can determine the most efficient exercise program for maintaining weight loss, we might be able to help people avoid the cycle of continually losing and regaining weight.”

The UAB Juliet study is looking for moderately overweight women age 25 to 45 to participate in a study to determine if weight training is more efficient than aerobic training in promoting weight maintenance. Participants in the two-year study will be enrolled in a weight-reduction program with food provided and may be selected into either a weight training or aerobic exercise program. A one-year follow up featuring continued exercise will examine if participants continue to maintain weight loss.

“Aerobic training usually burns more calories than weight training,” says Hunter. “But weight training builds strength, which makes exercise easier and more comfortable. Added strength makes being physically active more pleasant, which might prompt people to continue to exercise and remain physically fit after weight loss.”

Participants will receive information on their calorie expenditure, physical fitness level and body fat composition. All participants will be enrolled in UAB’s EatRight Weight Management program after completing the study. Interested participants can call (205) 975-0666 for more information.