Abstract
Background: Choreographic group-based fitness classes are the most common type of physical activity practiced by women, being a viable and sustainable strategy to improve general health. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a 16-week healthy lifestyle program, based on choreographic fitness classes, on cardiometabolic health-related anthropometric indices and metabolic blood profile among overweight sedentary women. Methods: A total of 50 overweight (Body Mass Index = 27.68 ± 1.19 kg/m2) middle-aged women (39.73 ± 7.41 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental exercise group based on structured choreographic fitness classes (CFC) with the Zumba Fitness program (3 days/week; 60 min/session) (CFC = 30) or a non-exercise control group (CG = 20). The anthropometric indices (waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, a body shape index, conicity index, abdominal volume index, and body adiposity index), blood pressure, glycemia, and blood lipid profile [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)] were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Results: 40 participants competed the pre/post measures. Post-intervention, the CFC group (n = 25) presented a significant improvement in all anthropometric indices as well as in TG, HDL, and LDL as compared with the CG (n = 15). Conclusion: A 16-week healthy lifestyle program based on structured choreographic fitness classes with the Zumba Fitness program (3 days/week; 60 min/session) could significantly improve cardiometabolic health-related anthropometric indices and the blood lipid profile in overweight sedentary middle-aged women.
Highlights
Overweight and obesity are strongly associated with higher rates of mortality from all causes, as has been shown in a recent study carried out on four continents [1]
The general sample presented an average value of waist circumference considered as a risk value; more than half of the sample presented as a risk value (52.0%)
Similar results were found for waist–height ratio (WtHR), conicity index (CI), and body adiposity index (BAI), for which the general sample showed a risk value
Summary
Overweight and obesity are strongly associated with higher rates of mortality from all causes, as has been shown in a recent study carried out on four continents [1]. Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive storage of adipose tissue [2]. They are considered a serious public health problem that can lead to many preventable chronic diseases, mainly with a cardiovascular and metabolic origin, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, as well as different types of cancer, osteoarthritis and reproductive diseases [3]. According to the WHO (March 2020), in 2016 39% of adults aged 18 years and over (39% of men vs 40% of women) were overweight, and the prevalence of obesity is expected to increase more rapidly in women [4]. The prevalence of physical inactivity is significantly higher in women compared to men
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