AIM: To determine the effect of whole body vibration (WBV), combined with caloric restriction, on weight, body composition and metabolic risk factors in overweight and obese adults. METHODS: A randomized, controlled study with a 6-month intervention period and a 6-month 'no intervention' follow-up. 61 of the 79 participants completed the study. Data were collected at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months in the control group (CONTROL), the diet only group (DIET), the diet plus fitness group (FITNESS) and the diet plus WBV group (VIBRATION). RESULTS: Weight decreased significantly in all three intervention groups. Only FITNESS and VIBRATION managed to maintain a weight loss of 5% or more in the long term. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) changed most in VIBRATION: -47.8 +/- 41.2 and -47.7 +/- 45.7 cm2 after 6 and 12 months respectively compared to CONTROL (-3.6 +/- 20.5 or +26.3 +/- 30.6 cm2), DIET (-24.3 +/- 29.8 or -7.5 +/- 28.3 cm2) and FITNESS (-17.6 +/- 36.6 or -1.6 +/- 33.3 cm2) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combining aerobic exercise or WBV training with caloric restriction can help to achieve a sustained long-term weight loss of 5 to 10%. These preliminary data show that WBV training may have the potential to reduce VAT more than aerobic exercise in obese adults, possibly making it a meaningful addition to future weight loss programs.

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