To investigate the effect of nurse-led intervention with nutrition and physical exercise combined on body mass index, body composition and incidence of obesity in adults with overweight.

A total of 103 adults with overweight who met enroll criteria and signed informed consent were consecutively enrolled from health examination center, and were randomized into study (n=51) and control groups(n=52) to receive a 6-month nurse-led intensive nutrition combined physical exercise intervention (study group) or routine nutrition consultation (control group) respectively. Body mass index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM), body fat rate (BF%), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), incidence of obesity and abdominal obesity were measured and compared between the two groups pre- and after the intervention.

After 6-month intervention, the average energy intake decreased [(92.4±27.2) vs(143.4±23.8)kJ/(kg·d), P=0.035], while the percent of regular physical exercise increased (41.2% vs 19.2%, P=0.015) in study group. Compared to control group, BMI[(22.9±2.1)vs (27.3±2.3)kg/m², P=0.045], body fat rate(25.2%±5.5% vs 32.5%±6.3%, P=0.035), WHR(0.88±0.47 vs 0.93±0.58, P=0.040), incidence of obesity (7.8% vs 23.1%, P=0.033) and abdominal obesity (7.8% vs 25.0%, P=0.019) decreased significantly in study group.

Nurse-led nutrition combined physical exercise intervention can improve body weight and body composition, as well as decrease the risk of obesity.

Overweight; Adults; Nurse-led; Body composition