Clinical Trial Results

TrimDog Exercise Belt Clinical Trial 12/10/2011

A randomized trial comparing the weight loss of canines that walked with and without the TrimDog Exercise Belt.

Atlantic Animal Hospital, Wilmington, NC, 28405
Michele Rohrer, DVM - Chief Investigator

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that weighted vest walking in humans can increase the metabolic responses over non-weighted walking resulting in greater weight loss.

Methods: 12 canines, aged 2-10 years, classified as overweight by their veterinarian were randomized into 2 groups: canines that walk with the TrimDog Exercise Belt and canines that walk without the TrimDog Exercise Belt. Their owners were instructed to walk 5 times per week for 30 minutes a walk at a brisk pace, for a total of 8 weeks. All participants were instructed to make no changes to their existing diets during this time period. Weigh-ins were conducted at Atlantic Animal Hospital by their staff prior to the start, Week 4, and upon completion. The weight of the TrimDog Exercise Belt is determined by size of the canine. Sizing of each canine is specific to the circumference of the canine through the torso, specifically at the inferior costraphrenic angle of the rib cage. Canines measuring 7-10 inches are considered X-small and the exercise belt weighed a total of 7 ounces, 11-16 inches are considered small and the exercise belt weighed a total of 7 ounces, 17-24 inches are considered medium and the exercise belt weighed a total of 11 ounces, and 25-32 inches are considered a large and the exercise belt weighed a total of 16 ounces.

Results: After week 8, canines that walked with the TrimDog Exercise Belt lost an average of 4% of bodyweight; canines that walked without the TrimDog Exercise Belt lost an average of 1% of bodyweight.


Conclusions: Dogs that walked with the TrimDog Exercise Belt lost more weight than dogs that walked without the TrimDog Exercise Belt.