Empowered With Movement to Prevent Obesity and Weight Regain

Inclusion Criteria

• 65-85 years
• BMI=30-45 kg/m2
• Weight stable-no loss or gain (±5%) in past 6 mo
• Sedentary
• No contraindication for safe and optimal participation in exercise training
• Approved for participation by Medical Director
• Willing to provide informed consent
• Agree to all study procedures and assessments
• Able to provide own transportation to study visits and intervention

Exclusion Criteria

• Dependent on cane or walker
• Reported unintentional or intentional weight loss or gain of >5% in past 6 mo Participation in regular resistance training and/or > 20 mins/day of aerobic exercise in past 6 months
• Cognitive impairment (MoCA score 160/90 mmHg);
• Current or recent past (within 1 year) severe symptomatic heart disease, uncontrolled angina, stroke, chronic respiratory disease other than asthma or COPD, any disease requiring oxygen use, neurological or hematological disease; cancer requiring treatment in past year, except non-melanoma skin cancers
• Serious conduction disorder, new Q waves or ST-segment depression (>3 mm), or uncontrolled arrhythmia
• Room air SpO2 (oxygen saturation) at rest or with exercise qualifying for supplementary oxygen (SpO2≤88%)
• Abnormal kidney or liver function (2x upper limit of normal);
• eGFR 140 mg/dl);
• Deficient levels of vitamin D (25 hydroxyvitamin D level 14 drinks/week)
• Unstable severe depression
• Regular use of: growth hormones, oral steroids, weight loss medications or prescription osteoporosis meds
• Current participation in other research study