Background: Community-based interventions that incorporate resistance training (RT) and dietary education have not been extensively studied in overweight and obese older adults. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a community-based RT and dietary education intervention on physical function in overweight and obese older adults.

Methods: Ninety-five overweight and obese (BMI = 33.4±4.0 kg/m²) older adults aged 55-80 years (69.1±6.2 years) completed an eight-week RT and dietary education intervention at four Rhode Island senior centers. Participants performed RT twice-weekly using resistance tubing, dumbbells, and ankle weights. Participants also attended one weekly dietary counseling session on a modified Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. Outcome measurements included anthropometrics, body composition, and physical function.

Results: There were small changes in body mass (-1.0±1.8 kg, p<0.001), waist circumference (-5.2±3.8 cm, p<0.001), and percent body fat (-0.5±1.4%, p<0.001). Additionally, significant improvements were observed in knee extensor torque (+7.9±19.1 N-m, p<0.001), handgrip strength (+1.2±2.5 kg, p<0.001), and 8-foot up-and-go test time (-0.56±0.89 s, p<0.001).

Conclusion: Community-based RT and dietary education can improve body composition, muscle strength, and physical function in overweight and obese older adults. Future investigations should determine if this intervention is effective for long-term changes.