Identification of essential anthropometric and health-related markers for effective weight loss program in middle-aged women
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v65.109475Keywords:
Weight Loss, Women health, Comprehensive Fitness Program, Anthropometric Parameters, Health Markers, Middle-aged WomenAbstract
Introduction: Effective weight loss programs should consider more than just total body weight reduction, incorporating other critical anthropometric and health-related markers.
Objective: This study aimed to identify the key markers essential for a healthy and effective weight loss regimen in women.
Methodology: A total of 143 women (mean age 39.32±8.60 years; BMI 30.27±5.94) from Malaysia participated. Various anthropometric and health-related markers were measured using standard procedures. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was employed to extract the crucial markers for an effective weight loss program, while Multiple Regression Analysis (MLR) validated these variables.
Results: A 3-factor solution proved effective, with Component 1 including arm, hip, bust, thigh, and waist circumferences; Component 2 comprising body fat, weight, and visceral fat; and Component 3 involving bone mass and basal metabolic rate. These components were renamed as anthropometric attributes, adiposity, and metabolic skeletal health, respectively. The MLR model, with these components as independent variables and weight as the dependent variable, yielded a significant regression (F (2163, 1) = 73.3, p < 0.0001, R² = 0.979), explaining 98% of the variability in weight. All variables significantly contributed to the model (p < 0.001).
Discussion: The results highlight that effective weight loss goes beyond just reducing body weight. Key factors such as body measurements, fat levels, and metabolic health play a crucial role. The strong predictive ability of these factors (R² = 0.979, p < 0.001) suggests that weight loss programs should focus on overall body composition and health rather than just weight reduction for better, long-term outcomes.
Conclusions: This study accentuates the need for a holistic approach to weight loss, considering a comprehensive evaluation beyond just physical symptoms.
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