Mixed
Long-term intensive lifestyle intervention (weight loss via caloric restriction and increased physical activity) significantly improves and preserves performance-based physical function (gait speed and lower extremity function) in overweight/obese middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes, despite anticipated loss of lean mass.
For older adults with type 2 diabetes, aiming for modest weight loss (around 10%) and increasing physical activity to about 175 minutes per week can help maintain mobility and walking speed over the long term. This benefit persists even if you lose some muscle mass, so don't let the fear of 'losing muscle' stop you from trying lifestyle changes.
An intensive lifestyle intervention has modest but significant long-term benefits on physical function in overweight and older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Why this rating
Large randomized controlled trial (Look AHEAD) with long-term follow-up (11 years) and rigorous statistical adjustments.
Source
Physical Function Following a Long-Term Lifestyle Intervention Among Middle Aged and Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: The Look AHEAD Study
Denise K. Houston et al. · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · 2017
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