B. Slonaker

Effects of the Curves?? Fitness & Weight Loss Program on Weight Loss and Resting Energy Expenditure

PURPOSE: The Curves fitness and diet program has become very popular among adult women with over 2 million women currently participating in the program. However, the efficacy of this program has yet to be examined. This study examined the efficacy of the Curves fitness and diet program on weight loss and resting energy expenditure (REE). METHODS: 123 sedentary women (38.7±8 yr; 93.2±19 kg; 44.8±4.8 % body fat) participated in a 14-wk exercise and diet program. Based on baseline testing, subjects were randomly assigned to an exercise and no diet group (ND+E); an exercise and high calorie mixed diet (2,600 kcals/d for 2-wks at 55% C, 15% P, 30% F; 8 wks at 40% C, 30% P, 30% F; 4 wks at 55% C, 15% P, 30% F) group (HCD+E); or, a low calorie high carbohydrate (LC-HCHO+E), high protein (LC-HP+E), or very high protein (LC-VHP+E) diet. The diets involved consuming 1,200 kcal/d for 2-wks and 1,600 kcal/d for 8-wks. Subjects then ingested 2,600 kcal/d and 1,200 kcal diet at 3/2, 3/2, 5/2, & 10/0 day intervals in an attempt to maintain weight loss and REE. Diets were standardized with 30% dietary fat with carbohydrate intake ranging from 40-55% on the HCD+E and LC-HCHO+E diets and protein intake ranging from 50-63% on the LC-HP+E and LC-VHP+E diets. Subjects participated in a supervised 30min resistance training circuit program that was interspersed with calisthenic exercises and performed 3-d per week. At 0, 2, 10, 10.4 and 14 weeks, body weight, body composition (DEXA), and REE measurements were obtained. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and are presented as means ± SD changes from baseline for the ND+E, HCD+E, LCHCHO+E, LC-HP+E and LC-VHP+E groups, respectively. RESULTS: After 10 weeks, subjects experienced significant (p<0.001) weight loss (-0.2±2; -1.1±3.2; -4.6±3.1; -4.5±4.1; 6.2±5.0 kg) and fat mass loss (-0.5±1.7; -0.5±2.0; -3.0±2.1, 3.2±2.8, -4.0±3.5 kg) which was maintained or continued during the maintenance phase (-0.1±1.8 -1.3±3.3; -5.1±3.5; -5.4±4.9; 6.3±5.4 kg weight; -0.9±1.7; -1.0±3.0; -3.5±2.8; -3.6±3.4, 4.6±4.1 kg fat). The majority of the weight loss was fat (76100%). Weight loss was due in part to a significant gradual increase in REE during the study at week 10 (1.65±2.7 kcal/kg/d) and week 14 (1.94±2.8 kcal/kg/d). The greatest increase in REE occurred in the HCD+E group. CONCLUSIONS: The Curves fitness and weight loss program appears to increase REE and promote weight loss particularly when following one of the diet plans. Moreover, intermittent dieting following weight loss appears to be an effective way to maintain and/or promote weight loss as well as to increase REE. Supported in part by Curves International, Inc., Waco, TX Rationale The Curves fitness and weight loss program has become a very popular means of promoting health and fitness among women. The program involves a 30-minute circuit training program and a weight management program involving periods of moderate caloric restriction (1,200 to 1,600 calories per day) followed by short periods of higher caloric intake (2,600 calories per day). The program is designed to promote a gradual reduction in body fat while increasing strength and fitness. Although the program has been based on sound rationale, the effects of following this program have not been studied. The purpose of this study is to examine the acute and chronic effects of Curves International fitness and diet program on weight loss, body composition, and resting energy expenditure in sedentary overweight females.