Introduction and Purpose: Obesity and overweight are associated with adverse changes in anthropometric indices and metabolic function, and selecting an appropriate dietary pattern alongside physical activity plays a crucial role in improving these conditions. Accordingly, examining the effects of different dietary regimens combined with concurrent training on blood biomarkers and body composition can help provide more effective strategies for weight management in overweight women.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 42 healthy women aged 30–40 years residing in Tehran were randomly assigned to two groups (22 participants = standard diet, 20 participants = high-protein diet). Participants performed concurrent training three days per week (every other day) for eight weeks. Caloric restriction was set at 15% below daily energy requirements in both groups.
Results: Weight, BMI, and PBF significantly decreased in both groups (p≤0.05); however, reductions in weight and BMI were greater in the standard-diet group, while the decrease in PBF was more pronounced in the high-protein diet group. Additionally, SMM significantly increased in the high-protein diet group (p≤0.05), whereas a significant decrease was observed in the standard-diet group (p≤0.05). Evaluation of renal markers (BUN and creatinine) showed an increase in both variables in the high-protein group, although values remained within the normal range. No significant change in BUN was observed in the standard-diet group, while creatinine showed a slight decrease, also within the normal range.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that both dietary interventions combined with concurrent training are effective in reducing weight, BMI, and PBF. However, regarding SMM, concurrent training accompanied by a high-protein diet led to the preservation and improvement of skeletal muscle mass, whereas the standard diet combined with concurrent training was unable to maintain muscle mass and even resulted in its reduction.