Obesity and Aging: Impacts of Nutritional Counseling and Physical Exercise on Telomeres and Senescence Parameters

To evaluate the effect of obesity, nutritional counseling, and combined physical training on leukocyte telomere length in elderly women. Telomere length will be measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), expressed as the telomere-to-single copy gene (T/S) ratio according to the Cawthon method.

To assess the effect of obesity, nutritional counseling, and combined physical training on the expression of genes related to cellular senescence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Gene expression will be quantified by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and normalized to a housekeeping gene.

To evaluate the effect of nutritional counseling on protein intake adequacy in elderly women. Dietary intake will be assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls, and protein intake will be calculated using nutritional analysis software. Adequacy will be determined by comparing individual protein intake with recommended intake values for older adults.

To evaluate the effect of nutritional counseling on the consumption of ultra-processed foods in elderly women. Dietary intake will be assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls. Foods will be classified according to the NOVA food classification system, and the proportion of total energy intake derived from ultra-processed foods will be calculated.

To assess the effect of nutritional counseling on diet quality in elderly women based on the degree of food processing. Dietary intake will be evaluated using 24-hour dietary recalls, and foods will be classified according to the NOVA classification system. Diet quality will be determined by calculating the proportion of total energy intake derived from ultra-processed foods, with higher values indicating poorer diet quality

To evaluate the expression of genes associated with telomere regulation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Gene expression will be quantified using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and normalized to a housekeeping gene.

To evaluate the expression of genes associated with cellular senescence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from elderly women participating in the study. Gene expression will be quantified using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and normalized to a housekeeping gene. The analyzed genes include markers involved in cellular senescence pathways such as cell cycle regulation, inflammatory response, growth signaling, and tissue remodeling.

Assessment of redox status, DNA damage, and activity of enzymes associated with the redox system

Analysis of the expression of genes associated with mitochondrial functionality and biogenesis

Determination of nitrogen balance through estimation of protein intake through 24-hour dietary recall and nitrogen excretion obtained through 24-hour urine samples

To evaluate cardiorespiratory capacity using an incremental exercise test performed on a cycle ergometer. Capillary blood samples will be collected during the test to determine blood lactate concentration and identify the lactate threshold.

To evaluate lower limb muscle strength using an isokinetic dynamometer. Maximal voluntary torque of the knee extensors and flexors will be measured under standardized testing conditions.

To evaluate upper body functional strength using the arm curl test, which measures the number of arm curls performed within 30 seconds using a standardized weight.

To assess functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, which measures the time required for a participant to stand up from a chair, walk three meters, turn, return to the chair, and sit down.

To evaluate maximal isometric handgrip strength using a calibrated hand dynamometer

To evaluate body composition in elderly women using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with an iDXA scanner. Body composition parameters including total body fat mass and lean mass will be obtained from the DXA analysis.

To assess body mass index (BMI) in elderly women. Body weight will be measured using a calibrated digital scale and height will be measured using a stadiometer following standardized anthropometric procedures. BMI will be calculated as body weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.

To assess body fat distribution using the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Waist and hip circumferences will be measured using a non-elastic flexible measuring tape according to standardized anthropometric procedures. The waist-to-hip ratio will be calculated by dividing waist circumference by hip circumference.