This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Body fat that accumulates inside the abdomen is related to increased risks for heart disease and diabetes. There is some evidence that a stress hormone, cortisol, may be involved in the deposition of this fat. There is also preliminary evidence that this fat is harder to lose when cortisol levels are high. Although weight loss can be attained by diet or exercise, some researchers have suggested that exercise is more effective at reducing intra-abdominal fat. It is possible that exercise works better because it decreases cortisol levels whereas dieting may increase cortisol. This study is the first in a series to investigate whether (or how much) 1) different levels of caloric restriction alter cortisol levels and 2) exercise training affects cortisol levels. This study will also begin to examine the mechanism by which exercise and diet differentially affect cortisol dynamics. This study will also determine if cortisol can be effectively measured in saliva instead of blood. Because weight loss can change cortisol levels, participants will only exercise or restrict calories for ten days so that weight loss is minimized.
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