Can we Achieve 'High-quality' Weight Loss Through Supplementation and Exercise? The TRIM MUSCLE Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the combination of two dietary supplements: MUSCLE 5, which contains protein, creatine and vitamin D and TRIM 7, which contains beet extract, caffeine, coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, forskolin extract, green coffee bean extract, green tea and vitamin E, plus exercise can induce greater \'high-quality\' weight loss than exercise alone in overweight and obese men and women. First, the investigators will examine whether the addition of these two supplements to a mixed exercise regime (e.g., aerobic and resistance training) induces greater improvements in typical training adaptations (aerobic capacity, upper \& lower body muscle strength, lean mass, ASM, fat mass, % body fat, and lean mass/fat mass). Secondly, the investigators will assess improvements in pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, insulin sensitivity, and blood lipids. Third, the investigators will determine effects on perceived stress, sleep quality, hair \& nail growth, and health-related quality of life. Overweight men and women will be randomized to either exercise alone or exercise plus supplement for 12 weeks. Training will include mixed exercise (aerobic and resistance) three days per week and supplements will be taken on a daily basis. Before and after the 12-week training period the investigators will assess A) Body weight, BMI, DXA outcomes (total lean mass, total body fat, % body fat, ASM, and lean mass/fat mass), waist circumference, VO2max, and upper/lower body maximal strength, B) Circulatory inflammatory factors, antioxidants, blood lipids, and oral glucose tolerance/insulin sensitivity (OGTT), C) Perceived stress, sleep quality, hair \& nail growth, and health-related quality of life and D) Overall Health Index. Benefits of the study to participants may include weight loss and improved health (irrespective of weight loss). Benefits of the study to the scientific community include improved understanding of how high-quality protein- and antioxidant-containing supplements, combined with mixed exercise, affect weight loss and overall health in men and women. Thus, the investigators will be comparing men and women to determine if the response to supplementation and exercise is similar or different between the sexes.