Exercise based lifestyle intervention in obese adults: results of the intervention study m.o.B.I.L.I.s.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. A combination of diet and exercise interventions have been shown to deliver stable weight reduction. M.O.B.I.L.I.S. is an interdisciplinary lifestyle modification program, aimed at lasting modification of exercise levels and diet with a view to an energy balanced lifestyle and healthy living skills.

METHODS: Lifestyle changes are to be achieved via a 12-month exercise based intervention. This standardized training program is to be followed up at predetermined time intervals in a planned sample size of 4000 to 5000 obese adults (BMI 30 to 40 kg/m(2)). As target variables body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were defined.

RESULTS: One year results are now available for 32 groups and 454 obese participants. The results clearly demonstrate that lifestyle changes in obese individuals are possible and lead to an average weight reduction of 6.4 kg at 12 months.

DISCUSSION: M.O.B.I.L.I.S. constitutes an effective, economic, and non-pharmacological therapy option for obese adults.