INFLUENCE OF DEGREE OF OBESITY ON LOSS OF FAT-FREE MASS DURING VERY-LOW-ENERGY DIETS

This study examined the influence of initial degree of obesity on loss of fat-free mass (FFM). One hundred twelve obese females participated in a series of very-low-energy diet (VLED) clinical trials. Obesity groups were determined by three common methods: percent body fat, body mass index, and weight. Within each group, subjects were classified into low-, intermediate-, and high-obesity groups. As expected, the high-obesity group lost comparable amount or more weight and more fat weight than the low- and intermediate-obesity classifications for each group. The high-obesity group lost approximate to 2% more FFM (P < 0.05) compared with the low and intermediate group when subjects were grouped by body mass index and weight and showed no differences between classifications when subjects were grouped by percent body fat. No differences were found between classifications for ratios of FFM to weight loss regardless of how subjects were grouped. Thus, the degree of obesity does not seem to affect loss of FFM.