Current Developments in Nutrition · Jan 28, 2026

Heterogeneity in Treatment Outcomes After a Multicomponent Weight Loss Intervention in Older Adults with Obesity

By Gavras A, Memili A, Lynch DH et al.

BACKGROUND: Older adults age 65+ with obesity are a growing population with marked clinical complexity, which is exacerbated by comorbid conditions as they age. OBJECTIVES: To assess clinical heterogeneity in participants in a weight loss intervention to help understanding treatment outcomes. METHODS: We previously conducted a single-arm, pre/post, 24-wk, telemedicine-delivered diet and exercise intervention in older adults with obesity. Heterogeneity in treatment outcomes was evaluated between baseline and follow-up weight, 30-s sit-to-stand (30STS), 6-min walking test (6MWT), oxygen consumption at rest (resting VO₂), and total energy expenditure (TEE). Distributions of differences in physical function before and after the weight loss intervention were evaluated based on participants' weight loss response status. RESULTS: Of the 53 enrolled participants, 44 completed the study, but 31 had full follow-up measures. The mean ± standard deviation age was 72.9 ± 3.9 y (72.7% female). Across all participants, weight decreased from 97.8 ± 16.3 kg to 93.2 ± 15.8 kg, and BMI (in kg/m²) dropped from 36.5 ± 5.2 to 34.7 ± 5.4. Twenty-two individuals were classified as responders to the weight loss intervention, having achieved >5% weight loss. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in physical function, though the magnitude of differences was nonsignificant, other than 6MWT (P = 0.04) at 24-wk. There was variability observed in correlation coefficients (r) between percent weight loss and 30STS (r = ‒0.23), 6MWT (r = ‒0.10), resting VO₂ (r = ‒0.16), and TEE (r = 0.058). The coefficient of variation for changes from baseline in physical function measures demonstrated marked variability: 134%, 299%, 260%, and 2310% for 30STS, 6MWT, resting VO₂, and TEE, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although older adults can improve outcomes in weight, body mass, and waist circumference through diet and physical activity interventions, there was marked heterogeneity observed in physical function outcomes.

doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2026.107649 Open access PubMed 41726778 Interventions