 SPECIFIC AIMS A.1. Overview Obesity is associated with a higher level of inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn are important mediators of sarcopenia, declines in physical functioning, and physical limitations in older adults. Several observational studies and randomized controlled trials RCTs suggest that behavioral interventions targeting weight loss through caloric restriction plus exercise CR EX may reduce inflammation and may improve function in obese older adults.3 The mechanisms by which CR EX may influence physical functioning and sarcopenia the involuntary loss of skeletal muscle with age remain largely understudied. It is proposed that CR EX may avert sarcopenia by reducing inflammation, oxidative damage, and consequent apoptosis of skeletal muscle myocytes. 