Body surface area is a predictor of maturity status in school children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Generally, Body surface area (BSA) changes significantly during growth and maturation. These increases portend a possible relationship between body size as determined by BSA with maturational status in children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between maturity status (MS) obtained by non-invasive anthropometric methods and body surface area (BSA) in children and adolescents of both sexes in a regional population of Chile. Additionally, we sought to verify the type of linear or nonlinear relationship between MS and BSA in both sexes. METHODS: A descriptive (cross-sectional) study was designed in 950 children and adolescents of both sexes (539 males and 411 females). The age range ranged from 6.0 to 17.9 years. Anthropometric measurements were evaluated: body weight, standing height, sitting height. MS was assessed by means of two non-invasive anthropometric techniques. Both techniques predict peak years of growth velocity (APHV) through a regression equation for each sex. BSA (m2) was estimated by means of the Haycock equation. RESULTS: The R2 in the linear model is relatively lower (R2 = 0.80 to 0.89 in males and 0.74 to 0.66 in females) in relation to the nonlinear quadratic model (R2 = 0.81 in males and 0.76 to 0.69). The quadratic nonlinear quadratic model reflected an adequate fit (RMSE) for the data set, being in men (RMSE = 1.080 and 1.125), while in women (RMSE = 1.779 and 1.479). CONCLUSION: BSA is positively associated with MS determined by two non-invasive methods in Chilean children and adolescents: The nonlinear quadratic model was a better fit to the data distribution. The results suggest the use of BSA as a possible predictor of maturity status in Chilean youth.

Assessing quality of life with SarQol is useful in screening for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in older women.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be impaired in the presence of sarcopenia. Since a specific quality of life questionnaire became available for sarcopenia (SarQol), cutoffs to screen for this condition have been proposed, prompting the need to assess them in different populations. Due to the lack of consensus on diagnostic criteria, the tool has not yet been analyzed in screening for sarcopenic obesity. AIM: Our aim is to measure the SarQoL's metric properties and establish a cutoff in QoL assessments that could be used along the diagnostic pathway for sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in community-dwelling older women. METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed women aged ≥ 70 years using the SarQol, sarcopenia criteria (EWGSOP2) and sarcopenic obesity criteria (ESPEN/EASO). Cutoffs for the SarQol were defined with a receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve, and sensitivity and specificity were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 95 included women (mean age 76.0 years, standard deviation [SD] 5.7), 7.3% (n = 7) were classified as having sarcopenic obesity, 22.1% (n = 21) as having sarcopenia, and 70.5% (n = 67) as not having sarcopenia. The total SarQol score was higher in women without sarcopenia (66.5 SD 16.2) versus those with sarcopenia (56.6 SD 15.6) and sarcopenic obesity (45.1 SD 7.9). A cutoff of ≤ 60 points is proposed for sarcopenia screening (area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.80; sensitivity 61.9%; specificity 62%), and ≤ 50 points for sarcopenic obesity (AUC 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.95; sensitivity 71.4%; specificity 76.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life is compromised in women with sarcopenia and especially in those with sarcopenic obesity. The SarQol could be useful in screening for these conditions, providing insight into health-related quality of life in older people with sarcopenia.

Fat infiltration and muscle hydration improve after high-intensity resistance training in women with sarcopenia. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Resistance training is recommended for preventing sarcopenia, but the benefits for the quality and quantity of muscle mass are uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in women with sarcopenia. METHODS: A researcher-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted. Community-dwelling older women with sarcopenia were randomized to six months of HIRT or a control group (CG). Body composition was assessed with bioimpedance equipment, and participants underwent strength and functional performance tests (short physical performance battery [SPPB] and gait speed). MRI scans of the thigh were taken to quantify muscle mass and quality. RESULTS: Thirty-eight women completed the study (20 in the HIRT group). Sarcopenia remitted in 50 % of the HIRT group. HIRT elicited a significant group × time interaction effect for muscle mass (p = 0.027; È 2 = 0.129), muscle mass index (p = 0.023; È 2 = 0.135), fat mass (p = 0.048; È 2 = 0.103) and all strength variables (p < 0.05; È 2 > 0.120). Moreover, the HIRT group obtained higher scores on the SPPB (mean difference [MD] 1.2; p = 0.005) and the 5 times sit-to-stand test (MD = 0.7; p = 0.009). Regarding MRI parameters, infiltrated microscopic fat decreased significantly (HIRT: MD = -0.01; p < 0.05), while hydration (T2) decreased in the CG (MD = 3.6 ms; p = 0.053) at six months. There were significant between-group differences at six months for water diffusion (HIRT: 1.09 × 10-3 mm2/s vs CG: 1.26 × 10-3 mm2/s) and total muscular volume (HIRT: 832.4 L vs CG: 649.2 L). CONCLUSIONS: HIRT led to the remission of sarcopenia in half of the older women, as seen in muscle mass, strength, and functional performance and MRI biomarkers, with significant increases in muscle quality. REGISTERED IN CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03834558.

Resistance training of peripheral muscles benefits respiratory parameters in older women with sarcopenia: Randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH: Ageing entails a decrease in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which also affects respiratory function. Physical exercise is an appropriate intervention to treat both conditions. This study aims to assess the efficacy of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) on clinical parameters of respiratory function and health-related quality of life (QoL) in community-dwelling older women with sarcopenia. METHODS: Fifty-one sarcopenic community-dwelling women aged 70 years and older were randomized to either six months of HIRT (n = 24) or control (n = 27). At baseline and post-intervention, participants were assessed for skeletal-muscle sarcopenia; respiratory sarcopenia status; respiratory function: spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75) and expiratory (MEP) and inspiratory (MIP) respiratory muscle strength parameters; and health-related QoL (EURO-QOL 5D-3 L). RESULTS: A group-by-time interaction effect for MEP (p = 0.044, È 2=0.108) was observed. CG showed a significant decrease in FEV1 (mean difference [MD] -0.12 L; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.20, -0.05; p = 0.002); and FVC (MD -0.18 L; 95% CI -0.33, -0.03; p = 0.024) after six months, whereas the HIRT maintained respiratory function without change. Post-intervention, mean EQ-VAS increased in the HIRT and decreased in CG, resulting in a significant between-group difference (mean 73.0 standard deviation [SD] 16.99 vs 61.1 SD 18.2 points, respectively; p = 0.044). Respiratory sarcopenia status was reverted in the HIRT. CONCLUSIONS: HIRT increased muscle strength and halted age-related respiratory function decline in sarcopenic old women. A strength intervention could benefit health-related QoL and physical well-being. REGISTERED IN CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03834558.

The Role of Imaging Biomarkers in the Assessment of Sarcopenia.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of sarcopenia through clinical assessment has some limitations. The literature advises studies that include objective markers along with clinical assessment in order to improve the sensitivity and specificity of current diagnostic criteria. The decrease of muscle quality precedes the loss of quantity, so we studied the role magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers as indicators of the quantity and quality of muscle in sarcopenia patients. METHODS: a cross-sectional analysis was performed to analyze what MR-derived imaging parameters correlate better with sarcopenia diagnostic criteria in women of 70 years of age and over (independent walking and community-dwelling women who were sarcopenic in accordance with EWGSOP criteria with muscle mass adjusted to Spanish population were chosen). RESULTS: The study included 26 women; 81 ± 8 years old. A strong correlation was obtained between cineanthropometric variables (BMI; thigh perimeter and fat mass) and imaging biomarkers (muscle/fat ratio, fatty infiltration, muscle T2*, water diffusion coefficient, and proton density fat fraction) with coefficients around 0.7 (absolute value). CONCLUSIONS: Knowing the correlation of clinical parameters and imaging-derived muscle quality indicators can help to identify older women at risk of developing sarcopenia at an early stage. This may allow taking preventive actions to decrease disability, morbidity, and mortality in sarcopenia patients.

[Lifestyle and physical condition factors associated with gender-specific BMI in Spanish preadolescents]. / Factores relacionados con el estilo de vida y la condición física que se asocian al IMC en función del género en preadolescentes españoles.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has become one of the most serious health problems in our society and is associated with a multitude of conditions and complications at puberty. Through this descriptive, cross-sectional study we intended, first, to know the differences by gender in lifestyle and physical condition variables, and second, to know the determinants related to lifestyle and physical condition for a Spanish population aged 10 to 12 years with a medium socioeconomic status. The variables analyzed were BMI, physical condition variables (agility, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory capacity), and health habit variables (quality and frequency of food, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, and sleep duration). We found significant differences between girls and boys in food quality and frequency, physical activity, sedentary lifestyle, flexibility, and maximum oxygen consumption variables. In the predictive analysis, the models significantly predicted the BMI for the total sample, the group of boys, and the group of girls. Explanatory variables include quality of breakfast, sedentary lifestyle, VO2 max and agility.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La obesidad se ha convertido en uno de los problemas de salud más graves de la sociedad y se relaciona con multitud de afecciones y complicaciones en la pubertad. Mediante este estudio descriptivo, transversal y poblacional se pretende, en primer lugar, conocer las diferencias entre las variables del estilo de vida y la condición física de cada género y, en segundo lugar, conocer los determinantes relacionados con el estilo de vida y la condición física en una población española de 10 a 12 años de edad con nivel socioeconómico medio. Las variables analizadas fueron el IMC, las variables de condición física (agilidad, flexibilidad y capacidad cardiorrespiratoria) y las variables de los hábitos de salud (calidad y frecuencia alimentaria, práctica de actividad física, sedentarismo y descanso nocturno). Encontramos diferencias significativas entre chicas y chicos para las variables de calidad y frecuencia alimentarias, actividad física, sedentarismo, flexibilidad y consumo máximo de oxígeno. En el análisis predictivo, los modelos predijeron significativamente el IMC de la muestra total, del grupo de chicos y del grupo de chicas, siendo las variables explicativas la calidad del desayuno, el sedentarismo de pantalla, el VO2 máx y la agilidad.

EFFECTS OF AN INTERVENTION PROGRAM (HHP) ON THE PROMOTION OF HEALTHY HABITS IN EARLY ADOLESCENCE.

BACKGROUND: it is vital to monitor and promote healthy lifestyle habits in early adolescence, as it is a time of changes when future lifestyle habits are formed. METHODS: a study was conducted to find out the effects of a Healthy Habits Program (HHP) in children between the ages of 10 and 12 years (N = 158). The study included an intervention group (IG) (n = 90), which participated in the HHP for 8 months, and a control group (CG) (n = 100). In order to assess healthy habits in these children we used the Inventory of Healthy Habits (IHH), the reliability of which was previously evaluated (N = 134). RESULTS: the IHH obtained good reliability, Interclass Correlation Coefficient (range .506 - 884; p < .001) and Spearman Correlation Coefficient (range r = 529 - 884; p < .001). As regards the HHP, there were no differences in eating habits initially (p = .564), but by the end of the study (p = .001) the IG showed better habits. As for the other healthy habits indicators, the CG had better habits initially (p = .047), but the score of the IG improved and there were no differences between the groups at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: it was shown that the IHH is a suitable and reliable questionnaire for studying habits in adolescents. The HHP brought about changes in the IG, which achieved better scores for eating habits and sum of health habits.

Introducción: la vigilancia y promoción de los hábitos de vida saludables en la primera adolescencia resulta vital, por ser una etapa de cambios y configuración de futuros hábitos de vida. Metodologia: se realizaron dos estudios en niños entre 10-12 años de edad. El primero sobre la fiabilidad del Inventario de Hábitos Saludables (IHS) (N = 134), y el segundo de diseño cuasi-experimental (N = 158), para el estudio pre-post de los efectos del Programa de Hábitos Saludables (PHS). Los hábitos se midieron con el IHS; el grupo de intervención (GI) (n = 90) participó en el PHS durante 8 meses, y el (GC) (n = 100). Resultados: el IHS obtuvo una buena fiabilidad, siendo el índice de correlación interclase (rango .506 - 884; p < 0,001) y el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (rango r = 529 - 884; p < .001). Respecto al PHS, no existieron diferencias de alimentación previas (p = 0,564), pero sí al final del mismo (p = 0,001), a favor del GI. Del resto de indicadores de hábitos saludables, el GC tenía mejores hábitos iniciales (p = 0,047), pero el GI mejoró su puntuación, no existiendo diferencias finales entre grupos. Conclusiones: el IHS resultó ser un cuestionario adaptado y fiable para el estudio de los hábitos en adolescentes. El PHS provocó cambios en el GI, consiguiendo mejores puntuaciones en alimentación y sumatorio de hábitos saludables.

Effects of an intervention program (HHP) on the promotion of healthy habits in early adolescence / Efectos de un programa de intervención (PHS) para la mejora de los hábitos saludables en la primera adolescencia

Background: it is vital to monitor and promote healthy lifestyle habits in early adolescence, as it is a time of changes when future lifestyle habits are formed. Methods: a study was conducted to find out the effects of a Healthy Habits Program (HHP) in children between the ages of 10 and 12 years (N=158). The study included an intervention group (IG) (n=90), which participated in the HHP for 8 months, and a control group (CG) (n=100). In order to assess healthy habits in these children we used the Inventory of Healthy Habits (IHH), the reliability of which was previously evaluated (N=134). Results: the IHH obtained good reliability, Interclass Correlation Coefficient (range .506-884; p<.001) and Spearman Correlation Coefficient (range r=529-884; p<.001). As regards the HHP, there were no differences in eating habits initially (p=.564), but by the end of the study (p=.001) the IG showed better habits. As for the other healthy habits indicators, the CG had better habits initially (p=.047), but the score of the IG improved and there were no differences between the groups at the end of the study. Conclusions: it was shown that the IHH is a suitable and reliable questionnaire for studying habits in adolescents. The HHP brought about changes in the IG, which achieved better scores for eating habits and sum of health habits (AU)

Introducción: la vigilancia y promoción de los hábitos de vida saludables en la primera adolescencia resulta vital, por ser una etapa de cambios y configuración de futuros hábitos de vida. Metodologia: se realizaron dos estudios en niños entre 10-12 años de edad. El primero sobre la fiabilidad del Inventario de Hábitos Saludables (IHS) (N=134), y el segundo de diseño cuasi-experimental (N=158), para el estudio pre-post de los efectos del Programa de Hábitos Saludables (PHS). Los hábitos se midieron con el IHS; el grupo de intervención (GI) (n=90) participó en el PHS durante 8 meses, y el (GC) (n=100). Resultados: el IHS obtuvo una buena fiabilidad, siendo el índice de correlación interclase (rango .506-884; p<0,001) y el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (rango r=529- 884; p<.001). Respecto al PHS, no existieron diferencias de alimentación previas (p=0,564), pero sí al final del mismo (p=0,001), a favor del GI. Del resto de indicadores de hábitos saludables, el GC tenía mejores hábitos iniciales (p=0,047), pero el GI mejoró su puntuación, no existiendo diferencias finales entre grupos. Conclusiones: el IHS resultó ser un cuestionario adaptado y fiable para el estudio de los hábitos en adolescentes. El PHS provocó cambios en el GI, consiguiendo mejores puntuaciones en alimentación y sumatorio de hábitos saludables (AU)

Beneficios de un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico en sujetos mayores con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Benefits of a home-based physical exercise program in elderly subjects with type 2

Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico (PEFA) sobre la calidad de vida, el control metabólico y variables antropométricas y bioquímicas en diabéticos tipo 2 mayores de 60 años. Pacientes y métodos Ochenta y cuatro pacientes mayores de 60 años fueron finalmente randomizados a realizar un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico combinado (aeróbico y anaeróbico) o a recibir tratamiento convencional para su diabetes, incluyendo dieta y ejercicio. A los seis meses, se evaluó el efecto sobre la calidad de vida (test EuroQol), HbA1c, glucemia en ayunas, frecuencia de hipoglucemias, peso, IMC, perímetro cintura, presión arterial y otros parámetros bioquímicos. Resultados La edad media de los pacientes que participaron en el estudio fue de 66,7 (8,0) años. Los pacientes incluidos en el grupo de ejercicio mejoraron su calidad de vida a los 6 meses: EuroQol 0,67 (0,37) vs 0,76 (0,26) y escala analógica 67,97 (18,92) vs 76,26 (20,14). Además se demostró una mejoría del control metabólico con HbA1c 6,35 vs 6,0%, glucosa en ayunas 151,2 (36,7) vs 137,6 (23,5) mg/dL y una reducción de peso de 1,7kg. Ninguno de estos beneficios se observó en el grupo control. No se demostró un incremento en la prevalencia de hipoglucemias. 10 pacientes abandonaron el estudio antes de los 6 meses. Conclusiones Un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico mejora la calidad de vida, el control metabólico y el peso en sujetos mayores de 60 años con diabetes mellitus tipo 2(AU)

Objective: To analyze the effects of a home-based physical exercise program on quality of life, metabolic control, and anthropometric and biochemical parameters in people over 60 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Eighty-four Spanish patients aged over 60 years were finally randomized to participatein a home-based, combined physical exercise program (aerobic and anaerobic exercises) or to receive conventional treatment for diabetes. At 6 months, effects on quality of life (EuroQoL questionnaire). HbA1c, fasting glucose, hypoglycemic events, weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were assessed. Results: Mean age of study participants was 66.7 (8.0) years. Patients in the exercise group showed an improved quality of life at six months based on EuroQol: 0.48 (0.38) vs 0.66 (0.35)and analogic scale 67.97 (18.92) vs 76.26 (20.14). An improved glycemic control was also seen:HbA1c 6.35 vs 6.0% and fasting glucose 151.2 (36.7) vs 137.6 (23.5) mg/dL, as well as a weigh treduction by 1.7 kg. Hypoglycemic events did not increase. No benefits were seen in the control group. Ten subjects withdrew from the study before 6 months. Conclusions: A home-based physical exercise program improves quality of life, glycemic control, and weight in type 2 diabetic patients older than 60 years (AU)

[Benefits of a home-based physical exercise program in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus]. / Beneficios de un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico en sujetos mayores con diabetes mellitus tipo 2.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of a home-based physical exercise program on quality of life, metabolic control, and anthropometric and biochemical parameters in people over 60 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Eighty-four Spanish patients aged over 60 years were finally randomized to participate in a home-based, combined physical exercise program (aerobic and anaerobic exercises) or to receive conventional treatment for diabetes. At 6 months, effects on quality of life (EuroQoL questionnaire). HbA1c, fasting glucose, hypoglycemic events, weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Mean age of study participants was 66.7 (8.0) years. Patients in the exercise group showed an improved quality of life at six months based on EuroQol: 0.48 (0.38) vs 0.66 (0.35) and analogic scale 67.97 (18.92) vs 76.26 (20.14). An improved glycemic control was also seen: HbA1c 6.35 vs 6.0% and fasting glucose 151.2 (36.7) vs 137.6 (23.5) mg/dL, as well as a weight reduction by 1.7 kg. Hypoglycemic events did not increase. No benefits were seen in the control group. Ten subjects withdrew from the study before 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: A home-based physical exercise program improves quality of life, glycemic control, and weight in type 2 diabetic patients older than 60 years.

Mejora a corto plazo del peso y la calidad de vida de mujeres obesas posmenopáusicas mediante un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico / An ambulatory physical exercise program improves in the short term weight and quality of life of obese post-menopausal women

Fundamento y objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico sobre calidad de vida, parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos en mujeres obesas posmenopáusicas. Sujetos y método: Un total de 106 mujeres posmenopáusicas con obesidad se asignaron para participar en un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico (aeróbico y anaerobio) o para recibir información convencional sobre dieta y ejercicio. Se evaluó a los 3 meses el efecto del programa sobre calidad de vida (test EuroQol, Rosenberg y valoración subjetiva de salud), peso, índice cintura y masa grasa y parámetros bioquímicos considerados de riesgo cardiovascular. Resultados: La edad media fue de 59,79 años (8,02) y el índice de masa corporal (IMC) medio fue de 37,51 kg/m2 (6,03). Las mujeres incluidas en el grupo de ejercicio mejoraron su calidad de vida a los 3 meses de iniciado el programa (EuroQol: 0,48 [0,38] frente a 0,66 [0,35]; Rosenberg: 19,21 [5,05] frente a 16,86 [4,94]; valoración subjetiva de salud [%]: 60,68 [19,99] frente a 71,14 [17,28]; p<0,01) y redujeron peso (peso medio de 90,95 [15,51] frente a 88,72 kg [15,17]; p<0,001), IMC (37,5 [5,68] frente a 36,59 kg/m2 [5,72]; p<0,001) y masa grasa (el 46,28 [4,92] frente al 45,47% [4,88]; p<0,01). En el grupo control no hubo modificaciones en las variables analizadas. Se produjeron 31 abandonos. Conclusiones: Un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio mejora a corto plazo la calidad de vida y reduce el peso y la masa grasa en mujeres obesas posmenopáusicas. La alta tasa de abandono debe considerarse un factor limitante en este tipo de programas (AU)

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of an ambulatory physical exercise program on the quality of life, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in obese post-menopausal women. Methods: One hundred and six obese post-menopausal women were randomized to take part in an ambulatory program of physical exercise (aerobic and anaerobic), or to receive conventional information about diet and exercise. After three months, effects on quality of life were evaluated (test Euroqol, Rosenberg and subjective evaluation of health), weight, BMI, waist perimeter and fat mass, and biochemical parameters. Results: Mean age was 59.79 (8.02) years and BMI 37.51 (6.03)kg/m2. Women included in the exercise group improved their quality of life after three months (EuroQol 0.48 (0.38) vs 0.66 (0.35); Rosenberg: 19.21 (5.05) vs 16.86 (4.94); subjective evaluation of health (%): 60.68 (19.99) vs 71.14 (17.28); p<0.01) and lost weight (90.95 (15.51) vs 88.72 (15.17); p<0.001), BMI (37.5 (5.68) vs 36.59 (5.72); p<0.001) and fat mass (46.28 (4.92)% vs 45.47 (4.88)%; p<0.01). No changes were observed in control group. 31 people withdrew the study before 12 weeks. Conclusions: An ambulatory physical exercise program improves quality of life and reduces weight and fat mass, in a short period of time, in obese post-menopausal women (AU)

[An ambulatory physical exercise program improves in the short term weight and quality of life of obese post-menopausal women]. / Mejora a corto plazo del peso y la calidad de vida de mujeres obesas posmenopáusicas mediante un programa ambulatorio de ejercicio físico.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an ambulatory physical exercise program on the quality of life, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in obese post-menopausal women. METHODS: One hundred and six obese post-menopausal women were randomized to take part in an ambulatory program of physical exercise (aerobic and anaerobic), or to receive conventional information about diet and exercise. After three months, effects on quality of life were evaluated (test Euroqol, Rosenberg and subjective evaluation of health), weight, BMI, waist perimeter and fat mass, and biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Mean age was 59.79 (8.02) years and BMI 37.51 (6.03) kg/m(2). Women included in the exercise group improved their quality of life after three months (EuroQol 0.48 (0.38) vs 0.66 (0.35); Rosenberg: 19.21 (5.05) vs 16.86 (4.94); subjective evaluation of health (%): 60.68 (19.99) vs 71.14 (17.28); p<0.01) and lost weight (90.95 (15.51) vs 88.72 (15.17); p<0.001), BMI (37.5 (5.68) vs 36.59 (5.72); p<0.001) and fat mass (46.28 (4.92)% vs 45.47 (4.88)%; p<0.01). No changes were observed in control group. 31 people withdrew the study before 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: An ambulatory physical exercise program improves quality of life and reduces weight and fat mass, in a short period of time, in obese post-menopausal women. The high rate of withdrawal should be considered as an inconvenient in this type of programs.