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Study Finds Strength Training Beats Aerobic Exercise For Older Adults Trying To Lose Weight

(Courtesy: Wake Forest University)

Strength training may be one of the best options for older adults who want to lose weight, according to a recent report from Wake Forest University.

Over the course of 18 months, researchers followed three groups of people in their 60s who were overweight or obese.

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Lead author of the study, Kristen Beavers. (Credit: Ken Bennett for WFU)

One group focused on weight-loss through diet alone, the next on dieting and cardio exercise. And the last group looked at people dieting and doing regular weight training.

Both exercise groups lost more weight total, most of which was fat, than the diet-only group.

The lead author of the study, Kristen Beavers, says when it comes to weight loss, it's important for older adults to maintain muscle in the process.

"If that's what your goal is, then I think our data would suggest that resistance training is a better exercise modality to add to weight loss than walking alone or just losing weight without any exercise,” she says.

That's because seniors often don't gain muscle back after they lose it. Beavers says keeping up your strength through muscle mass can also help prevent future disability.

 

Bethany joined the staff of WFDD in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University and focused on Anglo-Irish writing. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming Assistant News Director, Bethany was a reporter and Associate Producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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