Results Based on consistent evidence from studies that were rated as moderate or strong , there is good evidence that military weight management interventions are effective in improving body composition for duration s of up to 12 months .
Effective interventions are more likely to be high intensity ( have a greater number of sessions ) , are more often delivered by specialists , and use theoretical base/behavioral change techniques and a st and ardized guideline .
Dietary interventions can potentially reduce total fat and saturated fat intake .
Dietary interventions that target the kitchen staff and /or increase the availability of healthy food are more likely to be effective in the short term .
The results regarding military physical fitness interventions were inconclusive .
Conclusion Despite limitations such as the diversity and heterogeneity of the included interventions , outcome measurements , and follow-up duration , this systematic review found good evidence that weight management interventions are effective , especially in terms of weight loss .
Background Research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of weight management , dietary and physical activity interventions in military setting s. However , a recent and comprehensive overview is lacking .
The aim of this systematic review is to examine the evidence and describe key components of effective interventions in terms of improving body composition , dietary behaviors , and physical activity among active-duty military personnel .
A pedometer-based intervention to improve physical activity, fitness, and coronary heart disease risk in National Guard personnel.
To compare the effects of a pedometer-based behavioral intervention ( Fitness for Life [ FFL ] program ) and a traditional high-intensity fitness ( TRAD ) program on physical activity ( PA ) , Army  Physical Fitness Test ( APFT ) , and coronary heart disease risk factors in Army National Guard members who failed the APFT 2-mile run . From a pool of 261 Army National Guard , a total of 156 were r and omized to TRAD or FFL for 24 weeks consisting of a 12-week progressive conditioning program followed by 12 weeks of maintenance . For both groups , the total APFT score and 2-mile run time/score improved from baseline to 12 weeks ( FFL : down 7.4 % , p = 0.03 ; TRAD : down 5 % , p = 0.08 ) but at 24 weeks they had regressed toward baseline . PA improved modestly and coronary risk profile changed minimally in both groups . A pedometer-based exercise intervention had results similar to a high-intensity program for improving PA , APFT , and 2-mile run times/score . Neither group sustained the improved run times over the 12 weeks of maintenance
Results Based on consistent evidence from studies that were rated as moderate or strong , there is good evidence that military weight management interventions are effective in improving body composition for duration s of up to 12 months .
Effective interventions are more likely to be high intensity ( have a greater number of sessions ) , are more often delivered by specialists , and use theoretical base/behavioral change techniques and a st and ardized guideline .
Dietary interventions can potentially reduce total fat and saturated fat intake .
Dietary interventions that target the kitchen staff and /or increase the availability of healthy food are more likely to be effective in the short term .
The results regarding military physical fitness interventions were inconclusive .
Conclusion Despite limitations such as the diversity and heterogeneity of the included interventions , outcome measurements , and follow-up duration , this systematic review found good evidence that weight management interventions are effective , especially in terms of weight loss .
Background Research has been conducted to assess the effectiveness of weight management , dietary and physical activity interventions in military setting s. However , a recent and comprehensive overview is lacking .
The aim of this systematic review is to examine the evidence and describe key components of effective interventions in terms of improving body composition , dietary behaviors , and physical activity among active-duty military personnel .