The combined effects of exercise training and ingestion of a weight loss supplement on body composition and fitness parameters in college-aged males and females

Methods Weight, BMI, bench press 1 RM, leg press 1 RM, body composition parameters, VO2Max, fasting glucose and lipid panels were evaluated before (pre-test) and after (post-test) 56 days (8 weeks) of resistance and cardiovascular training, performed three times per week (totaling 24 workouts). Resistance training consisted of two sets of 12 repetitions of the following exercises: seated leg press, bench press, leg extension, leg curl, seated military press, lat pull, and cable row (75–80% 1 RM). Cardiovascular training consisted of 30 minutes on a cycle ergometer at a predetermined heart rate (70–85% heart rate reserve). Both resistance and cardiovascular training intensity was increased every two weeks. Additionally, during the testing period, subjects consumed two doses per day of a weight loss supplement (n = 12) or placebo (n = 12) as well as a once daily protein supplement. Results Fat mass and percent body fat were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in both groups. These differences were not statistically significant between groups. Consumption of a protein supplement and a weight loss supplement or protein supplement alone, while following a diet and exercise program, resulted in a significant decrease in fat mass and percent body fat and non-significant decreases in body mass and non-significant increases in lean mass. Fitness status (upper-body strength, lower-body strength, VO2) significantly increased (p < 0.05) in both groups, but these differences were not statistically significant between groups. Lipid panels markers (e.g., triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol) all experienced non-significant improvements in both groups, while serum glucose levels improved to a greater extent (p < 0.05) in the supplementation group.