Use of very-low-calorie-diets (VLCD) for treatment of obesity has been adversely related to quality of life (QOL). Because exercise is known to alter mood and self-beliefs in a positive direction, it may offset the negative impact of dieting. The present investigation evaluated the physical and QOL effects of a 12-week VLCD and exercise program. Sedentary obese adults (n = 22) were randomly assigned to either: diet and aerobic training, diet and resistance training, or a wait-list control condition. Data analyses revealed significant increases after 12 weeks in mental health (3% and7%), QOL (11% and 23%), perceived health (56% and 43%), PeakV02 (33% and 33%), and significant weight reduction (-19% and -16%) among the aerobic and resistance training groups, respectively, as compared to a control group (all p's < 0.05). However, resistance and aerobic exercise training were equally effective. Additionally, changes in QOL were unrelated to changes in weight and fitness. Results suggest that individuals who participate in either an aerobic or resistance training program while consuming a VLCD experience a greater QOL than control patients. Importantly, these results indicate that the changes in weight and QOL are similar when using either aerobic or resistance training with a VLCD. The results also support the contention that psychological effects of exercise may be independent of physical change.

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