Rationale and Design for a Higher (dairy) Protein Weight Loss Intervention That Promotes Muscle Quality and Bone Health in Older Adults with Obesity: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Study

In contrast to recommendations for young and middle-aged adults, intentional weight loss among older adults remains controversial and is inconsistently advised. Recent research suggests that a higher protein diet can mitigate loss of lean mass during periods of intentional weight loss among older adults with obesity; however, the effects of intentional weight loss on skeletal muscle and bone are not fully understood. The Dairy in the Diet Yields New Approaches for Muscle Optimization (DDYNAMO) trial is a 6-month, randomized, controlled pilot study assessing the effects of combining regular, generous intakes of high quality protein (30 g/meal; primarily from dairy) with caloric restriction (-500kcal/d) and low-intensity resistance exercise (30 min/3 times per week) on muscle quality, muscle composition, bone mineral density in men and women aged ≥60 years with obesity and mild to moderate functional impairment (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score ≥4 to ≤10). Participants will be re-assessed at 18 months to evaluate weight maintenance, bone mineral density, physical function, and other secondary measures. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02437643.