Summary: In 46 obese female college students (body fat ratio ≥30%) from Chongqing Water Resources and Electric Engineering College in China, a “Five-in-One” comprehensive intervention combining dietary control, high-intensity interval training, behavioral therapy, functional movement correction, and breathing training over 12 weeks demonstrated significantly higher BOLT scores, FMS scores, exercise attitude scores at 12 weeks, and sustained lower weight, BMI, and body fat ratio at one year compared to general intervention group receiving only dietary control, HIIT, and behavioral therapy, with no adverse effects reported.
| PICO | Description |
|---|---|
| Population | 46 obese female college students (body fat ratio ≥30%) from Chongqing Water Resources and Electric Engineering College in China. |
| Intervention | “Five-in-one” comprehensive intervention combining dietary control, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), behavioral therapy, functional movement correction, and breathing training over a 12-week period with one-year follow-up. |
| Comparison | General intervention group receiving only dietary control, high-intensity interval training, and behavioral therapy (the traditional “three-component” approach). |
| Outcome | At 12 weeks: significantly higher BOLT scores (22.68±5.95 vs. 17.47±5.01), FMS scores (17.06±2.82 vs. 15.08±3.31), and exercise attitude scores (P<0.01). At one year: sustained lower weight, BMI, and body fat ratio. No adverse effects. |
"Five-in-One" comprehensive weight-loss program
RCT · obese female students · 12 weeks
Adding functional movement correction and breathing training to diet, HIIT, and behavioral therapy produced significantly higher BOLT and FMS scores at 12 weeks and sustained lower weight, BMI, and body fat at one year.
Clinical Context
Obesity among college students has doubled over the past two decades. The college years represent a critical window—weight gained during this period often persists into adulthood, establishing lifelong metabolic trajectories.
The “five-in-one” comprehensive intervention adds functional movement correction and breathing training to the traditional triad of diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. These additions aim to address barriers that often derail long-term adherence.
Clinical Pearls
1. Sustained Results at One Year Set This Study Apart: Only the comprehensive intervention maintained improvements at one year, suggesting the additional components created sustainable behavioral change rather than temporary effects.
2. Exercise Attitudes May Be the Key Mechanism: By improving movement quality and breathing efficiency, participants may have found exercise more enjoyable and less aversive, promoting continued engagement.
3. Functional Movement Quality Matters: Correcting movement patterns may remove obstacles to lifelong physical activity and reduce injury risk that derails exercise programs.
4. Breathing Training Is an Underutilized Tool: Better breathing capacity enhances exercise tolerance, particularly valuable for obese individuals who often experience exertional dyspnea.
Practical Application
Incorporate movement quality assessment (like the Functional Movement Screen) before prescribing exercise. Include breathing assessment and training, particularly for patients who report exercise intolerance. Focus on making physical activity more enjoyable and sustainable rather than maximizing caloric expenditure.
Design weight management programs for the long term and measure success at one year rather than at intervention end.
Broader Evidence Context
Meta-analyses consistently show that behavioral weight loss interventions produce ~5-8% weight loss initially, with significant regain over subsequent years. Strategies that produce sustained change are urgently needed. This study’s one-year follow-up with maintained results is notable.
Study Limitations
Small sample size (46 participants). Single institution in China may limit generalizability. Female-only sample. The comprehensive intervention required more contact time, introducing potential attention effects.
Bottom Line
Adding functional movement correction and breathing training to traditional diet-exercise-behavior interventions produces superior and sustained weight loss in obese female college students at one year, suggesting these components address important barriers to long-term success.
Source: Lu X, et al. “The weight loss effect of the ‘Five-in-One’ comprehensive intervention for obese female college students.” Read article.