Calorie Restriction and Changes in Body Composition, Disease, Function, and Quality of Life in Older Adults

Inclusion criteria

• at least 65 years of age
• BMI 27 - 42 kg/m2 - at increased health risk (taking at least 1 medication for hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or type 2 diabetes)

Exclusion criteria

• difficulties chewing or swallowing food
• digestive diseases that may affect the ability to follow a high fiber diet
• cognitive impairment
• depression
• recent weight change (+/- 10 lbs in the last 12 months)
• poorly controlled blood pressure
• history of non-skin cancer in last 5 years
• cardiovascular disease event in past 6 months or severe pulmonary disease or renal failure
• major liver dysfunction
• current smoker or quit less than months prior
• history of prior surgical procedures for weight control or liposuction
• use of estrogen or testosterone replacement therapy
• current use of insulin or sulfonylurea agents
• current use of corticosteroids > 5 days/month on average
• current use of medications for treatment of psychosis or manic-depressive illness
• use of weight-loss medications in previous 3 months
• dependence on others for food procurement or preparation
• ischemic changes on exercise treadmill test