# Variable adaptive responses to weight loss in older adults (VARIA)

> **NIH NIH R21** · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $152,733

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 The main objective of this R21 grant application is to describe the extent and correlates of inter-
individual variability in physical function response to weight loss in older adults with obesity. This project will
utilize data collected through the Wake Forest University Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence
Center (P30 AG021332), representing 1590 overweight or obese older adults who participated in 8 randomized
controlled trials of intentional, behavior-based weight loss of 5 to 6 months in duration and completed a
comprehensive assessment of physical function (including: objectively measured gait speed, chair rise time,
standing balance time and grip strength; and self-reported disability) at baseline and follow-up. Due to the rich
characterization of study participants, we will be able to examine whether the observed associations between
intentional weight loss and function vary by age, gender, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidity/functional status, body
composition, exercise adherence, magnitude of achieved weight loss, inflammatory burden, and/or the
metabolomic milieu. The PI's on this project bring complementary experience in aging, nutrition, exercise, and
preventive health and Bayesian statistical modeling, along with a track record of high impact publications on
weight change, inflammation, and functional decline in older adults. Results will directly enhance our
understanding of factors that optimize functional response to weight loss in older adults with obesity, thereby
informing the design of future R01 weight loss trials led by the study PIs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9989751
- **Project number:** 5R21AG061344-02
- **Recipient organization:** WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Daniel P Beavers
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $152,733
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2023-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9989751

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9989751, Variable adaptive responses to weight loss in older adults (VARIA) (5R21AG061344-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9989751. Licensed CC0.

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