Discriminant models to estimate the body weight loss after a six-month long diet and exercise-based intervention.

BACKGROUND The main concern of the people who follow a weight loss program is the body weight loss, independently of the body composition. The aim of this study was to create a mathematical model able to discriminate the body weight change based on initial body composition variables. METHODS The study included 239 overweight and obese participants (18-50 years; Body Mass Index (BMI)>25 and <34.9 kg/m2). Participants performed an endrance, strength or a combined endurance and strength training three times per week, or followed the American College of Sports Medicine physical activity guidelines for body weight loss, during twenty-four weeks while having 25-30% caloric restriction. Two multivariate discriminant models were performed taking into account the groups below and above the mean body weight change. RESULTS The discriminant models obtained could discriminate the body weight change with a 65-70% of correct classification. BW, fat-free mass (FFM), and fat mass (FM) were shown to be the most discriminant variables for the discriminant models. CONCLUSIONS People having higher FM and FFM at the beginning of an intervention will lose a greater amount of weight until the end of it.