Fitness level of overweight/obese women after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise or mixed metabolism

Resumen

Aerobic exercise or mixed metabolism is used for the treatment of obesity, but it is unclear which approach has a greater impact. Thus, two groups of overweight or obese women were submitted to either a circuit weight training (CWT, n=14) or jogging program (JOG, n=12), performed 1 hour x 3 days/week in the first month and 1 hour x 4 days/week in the second months. The exercises were adjusted based on heart rate and the Borg scale, and both groups consumed a low-calorie diet. The participants were evaluated regarding anthropometric data, resting energy expenditure, nitrogen balance, and performance in different physical tests. Weight and percent body fat were reduced and lean body mass (LBM) was increased in the two groups (p < 0.05). Arm muscle circumference was significantly increased only in the CWT group and leg muscle circumference remained unchanged in either group. The CWT group showed improved results in six physical tests and the JOG group in three (p < 0.05). In both groups, the kcal/kg ratio was unchanged, kcal/LBM was decreased, kcal/fat mass was significantly increased, and the nitrogen balance continued to be positive. Similar body composition and metabolism variables were observed in the two groups. However, the CWT group showed a better physical performance, indicating a reduction of health risk factors.