ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To assess the independence of changes made in diet and physical activity for weight loss; and, to examine the comparative and cumulative effects of these behavioral

changes on weight loss outcomes. DESIGN: The observational study is based on longitudinal data collected from 674 women and 288 men enrolled in a 2-year weight loss program introduced into a

managed care setting. MEASUREMENTS: The outcome variable was body mass index (BMI) change from baseline to 2-year follow-up. Primary independent variables were changes in physical activity

and dietary fat intake, assessed as continuous measures using the Paffenbarger Physical Activity Questionnaire and Block Fat Screener Questionnaire, respectively. Two-way ANCOVA was used to

fat intake was more effective than increasing exercise for weight loss. While fat restrictions alone contributed to weight loss in both genders, exercise alone provided weight loss benefits

to men, only. The cumulative effect of weight loss behaviors varied by gender. In women, an interaction was observed. The response of weight to fat restriction was greater among those who

increased their exercise moderately or substantially. In men, there was no interaction; exercise increases helped to offset weight gain or provided small weight loss benefits at all levels

of dietary fat change. CONCLUSION: Dietary changes appeared to be more effective than increased physical activity for weight loss. For women, the cumulative effect of concomitant changes in

diet and exercise on weight loss was more than additive. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution ACCESS

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institutional subscriptions * Read our FAQs * Contact customer support SIMILAR CONTENT BEING VIEWED BY OTHERS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WEIGHT LOSS IN A PRAGMATIC WEIGHT LOSS TRIAL Article 26

January 2023 THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF BEHAVIORAL OBESITY TREATMENT Article 27 April 2024 EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF EATING- AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY-RELATED OUTCOMES FROM A RANDOMIZED

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Download references ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research was supported by Grant DK53826 from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND

AFFILIATIONS * Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA C L Dunn, P J Hannan & R W Jeffery * Health Partners Research Foundation,

Minneapolis, MN, USA N E Sherwood, N P Pronk & R Boyle Authors * C L Dunn View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * P J Hannan View author

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ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Dunn, C., Hannan, P., Jeffery, R. _et al._ The comparative and cumulative effects of a dietary restriction and exercise on weight loss. _Int J Obes_ 30,

112–121 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0803046 Download citation * Received: 07 September 2004 * Revised: 01 June 2005 * Accepted: 13 June 2005 * Published: 04 October 2005 * Issue

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* dietary intake * dietary fat