Mixed
Combined dietary weight loss and moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychological health (depression, stress, social support) in overweight/obese postmenopausal women more effectively than diet or exercise alone.
For overweight or obese postmenopausal women, combining a calorie-restricted diet (aiming for 10% weight loss) with regular moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise (225 minutes per week) significantly improves physical functioning, mental health, and reduces stress compared to either intervention alone. While exercise alone did not significantly improve quality of life in this study, the combination did, suggesting that addressing both physical and psychological factors is key.
The combined diet + exercise group improved 4 aspects of HRQOL (physical functioning, role-physical, vitality, and mental health), and stress (p ≤ 0.01 vs. controls)... A combined diet and exercise intervention has positive effects on HRQOL and psychological health, which may be greater than that from exercise or diet alone.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with a large sample size (N=439) and 12-month duration, though specific adherence data is referenced elsewhere.
Source
Dietary weight loss and exercise interventions effects on quality of life in overweight/obese postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial
Ikuyo Imayama et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2011
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