Effect of a low-energy diet on the body composition and serum lipid levels of overweight adult women

Objective This study verified the effects of a 12-week low-calorie diet on the body composition and serum lipid levels of overweight adult women. Methods The sample consisted of 20 females (23.80 years with a standard deviation of 2.73 years) of the Westfit-Bangu gym. They were randomly divided into two groups of ten: the Control Group and the Diet Group. Body composition (body mass, %fat, body mass index and lean body mass) and serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-, low- and very low-density lipoproteins) were assessed. Descriptive (central tendency and dispersion) and inferential statistics (Student's t-test) were used for inter and intragroup analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results The Diet Group presented a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in anthropometric variables (body mass, % of fat, BMI and lean mass) and serum lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-and very low-density lipoproteins). The level of high-density lipoprotein also decreased but not significantly. Conclusion In conclusion, the low-calorie diet was an excellent option for the treatment of obesity and to control serum lipid levels, decreasing the cardiovascular risk of the studied population.