Veterans Achieving Weight Loss and Optimizing Resilience-Using Protein

Plain-language summary

Diabetes is a major health concern in obese older Veterans, especially in those who are African American. The negative impact of diabetes on muscle and physical function contributes to metabolic as well as physical decline and is under-studied. This randomized controlled trial compares a higher-protein, weight loss regimen previously shown to improve physical function to an Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) protein intervention in obese older male Veterans with pre-diabetes and functional limitations. Equal numbers of white and black male Veterans will be studied, filling gaps in the investigators' knowledge of differential responses by race as well as obesity interventions for men in general. The primary outcome is functional performance by Short Physical Performance Battery and secondary measures include muscle quantity and composition, glucose handling, lean body mass, recent falls and fear of falling, and quality of life measured at 0, 3 and 6 months. The goal of this research is to accelerate functional recovery and enhance independence in obese male Veterans, which is strongly aligned with the VA mission to "maximize the physical and social autonomy of Veterans".

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details