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Journal of veterinary internal medicine2018; 33(1); 280-286; doi: 10.1111/jvim.15374

Influence of dietary restriction and low-intensity exercise on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in obese equids.

Abstract: The importance of including exercise with dietary modification for the management of obese equids is not clearly understood. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a practical low-intensity exercise regimen, in addition to dietary restriction, on indices of insulin sensitivity (SI) and plasma adipokine concentrations in obese equids. Methods: Twenty-four obese (body condition score [BCS] ≥ 7/9) horses and ponies. Methods: Over a 12-week period, animals received either dietary restriction only (DIET) or dietary restriction plus low-intensity exercise (DIET+EX). All animals were provided with a restricted ration of grass hay at 1.25% body weight (BW) on a dry matter basis, providing 82.5% estimated digestible energy requirements. The DIET+EX group undertook low-intensity exercise 5 days per week on an automated horse walker. Before and after weight loss, total body fat mass (TBFM) was determined, indices of SI were calculated using minimal model analysis of a frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test, and adipokines plus inflammatory biomarkers were measured using validated assays. Results: Decreases in BCS, BW, and TBFM were similar between groups (all P > .05). After weight loss, animals in both groups had decreased basal insulin and leptin concentrations, and increased adiponectin concentrations (all P < .001). Furthermore, animals in the DIET+EX group had significantly improved SI and decreased serum amyloid A concentrations relative to animals in the DIET group (both P = .01). Conclusions: Regular low-intensity exercise provided additional health benefits compared with dietary restriction alone in this population of obese equids.
© 2018 The Authors. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
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Publication Date: 2018-12-05 PubMed ID: 30520164PubMed Central: PMC6335535DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15374Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Clinical Trial
  • Veterinary
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research aimed to study the impact of dietary restriction combined with low-intensity exercise on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in obese horses. The findings highlighted that this combination resulted in improved health outcomes compared to just dietary restriction alone.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted on 24 obese horses and ponies, modelled on a body condition score (BCS) of 7/9 or higher.
  • Over a period of 12 weeks, these animals were placed in one of two groups. The first group received only dietary restrictions (DIET) whereas the other group underwent dietary restriction plus low-intensity exercise (DIET+EX).
  • All animals were given a controlled portion of grass hay – amounting to 1.25% of their body weight on a dry matter basis. This fulfilled 82.5% of their estimated digestible energy requirements.
  • The DIET+EX group was also subject to low-intensity exercise regime, conducted five days per week on an automated horse walker.
  • In both before and after the weight loss initiative, the total body fat mass (TBFM) was recorded, and insulin sensitivity (SI) indices were computed using the minimal model analysis of a frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test.
  • Moreover, adipokines (proteins that regulate fat metabolism) plus inflammatory biomarkers were measured with validated assays.

Results

  • The reductions in body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), and total body fat mass (TBFM) were comparable in both groups (p > 0.05).
  • Post weight loss, animals in both groups displayed lower basal insulin and leptin concentrations, and heightened concentrations of adiponectin (a protein hormone that modulates various metabolic processes, including glucose regulation) (p < 0.001).
  • Additionally, the DIET+EX group showed considerably better insulin sensitivity and decreased serum amyloid A concentrations (an inflammatory marker) compared to the DIET group (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

The study concluded that including regular low-intensity exercise with dietary restrictions provides better health outcomes compared to dietary restriction alone in obese horses. Particularly, it resulted in improved insulin sensitivity and decreased concentrations of inflammation.

Cite This Article

APA
Bamford NJ, Potter SJ, Baskerville CL, Harris PA, Bailey SR. (2018). Influence of dietary restriction and low-intensity exercise on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in obese equids. J Vet Intern Med, 33(1), 280-286. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15374

Publication

Journal of veterinary internal medicine
ISSN: 1939-1676
NlmUniqueID: 8708660
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 33
Issue: 1
Pages: 280-286

Researcher Affiliations

Bamford, Nicholas J
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Potter, Samantha J
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Baskerville, Courtnay L
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.
Harris, Patricia A
  • Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Bailey, Simon R
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria, Australia.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Diet, Reducing / veterinary
  • Exercise Therapy / veterinary
  • Female
  • Horse Diseases / diet therapy
  • Horse Diseases / therapy
  • Horses
  • Insulin Resistance
  • Male
  • Obesity / diet therapy
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Obesity / veterinary
  • Random Allocation
  • Weight Loss

Grant Funding

  • LP100200224 / Australian Research Council
  • LP100200224 / WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition

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