Different degree of intervention in 6-month weight-loss support and arterial stiffness: Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Background and aims: Weight reduction by lifestyle modification (i.e., low-calorie diet and/or exercise) decreases arterial stiffness in overweight or obese individuals. We previously demonstrated that weight loss differs depending on the degree of intervention in weight-loss support in a randomized controlled trial (UMIN000001259). However, the effect of different degrees of intervention on arterial stiffness remains unclear. Methods and results: A total of 188 middle-aged men and women with overweight or obesity (51 ± 7 years, BMI: 29.0 ± 3.2 kg/m²) participated in the 6-month trial wherein they were assigned to a low (LI, n = 63), moderate (MI, n = 62), or high intensive intervention (HI, n = 63) group. Initially, one motivational lecture on weight loss was provided to all three groups, whereas educational materials (textbooks, notebooks, and a pedometer) were provided to groups MI and HI. Additionally, the HI group participated in a series of group-based sessions. Body weight and arterial stiffness assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) were measured at 0, 3, and 6 months. Six-month weight loss was greater in the order of HI, MI, and LI groups. The interventions reduced baPWV in all groups, and the reduction was not significantly different among the groups (114.3 ± 16.3, 82.6 ± 15.2, and 98.8 ± 90.4 cm/s, respectively). Conclusion: In overweight or obese individuals, different degrees of intervention in weight-loss support affect body weight; however, the extent to which arterial stiffness improves does not differ among support programs.