Short‐term weight loss with diet and physical activity in young adults: The IDEA study

Objective This study examined the effect of a behavioral weight loss intervention (BWLI) on young adults (age = 18‐35 years). Methods Participants (N = 470) enrolled in a 6‐month BWLI that included weekly group sessions, a prescribed energy‐restricted diet, and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Assessments included weight, body composition, fitness, lipids, glucose, insulin, resting blood pressure and heart rate, physical activity, and dietary intake. Data are presented as median [25th, 75th percentiles]. Results Retention was 90% (N = 424; age: 30.9 [27.8, 33.7] years; BMI: 31.2 [28.4, 34.3] kg m−2). Participants completed 87.5% [76.1%, 95.5%] of scheduled intervention contacts. Weight and body fat decreased while fitness increased (P