LAUSR

Background Obesity is a risk factor for frailty and muscle weakness, so weight loss in obese older adults may prevent frailty and functional decline. Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of a multimodal weight-loss intervention in improving functional performance and reducing frailty risk in obese older adults. Design Randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel arms. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Community-dwelling obese adults aged 65–75 years with body mass index (BMI) 30–39 kg/m 2 . INTERVENTION: 6-month multimodal intervention based on diet and a physical activity program. Control group: Usual care. Main and Secondary Outcome Measures Frailty (Fried criteria) rate and functional performance at 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up, respectively. Intermediate Outcome Measures Weight loss, body composition changes, and metabolic and inflammatory biomarker changes. Results N=305. The study intervention increased gait speed at 12 and 24 months of follow-up, but had no significant effect on frailty prevention. It was effective in reducing weight, BMI, fat mass, interleukin 6, and insulin resistance and improving self-reported quality of life. Conclusions The study intervention was not demonstrated to be effective in preventing frailty in obese people aged 65–75 years at 24 months of follow-up. However, it allowed weight loss and a reduction in inflammatory and insulin resistance markers, which could have a long-term effect on frailty that requires further research.