Effects over one year of low-intensity endurance exercise targeted at the level of maximal lipid oxidation

Abstract

Summary Context Low-intensity physical activity targeted at the level of maximal lipid oxidation (LIPOXmax or FATmax) has a similar efficiency for reducing weight compared to protocols at higher intensities, whose compliance is lower, and has specific beneficial effects on lipid oxidation and eating behavior. Since no study lasting more than 5 months was available, we undertook this study in order to assess the effect of LIPOXmax training over 2 years. Methods and results We present the first results of follow-up over 1 year of 47 subjects (mean BMI 35.08 ± 0.94 (range: 24 to 53) performing this type of exercise training without prescription of restrictive diet (but with initial nutritional assessment highlighting dietary mistakes). Two comparison groups with the same age and BMI were also followed: 45 subjects performing a low-fat diet and 62 subjects who did not change their habits. After 12 months, subjects trained at the LIPOXmax lost on the average −7.84 ± 2.83 kg (weight change from −23 to 4 kg), compared to −8.92 ± 2.35 kg in the low-fat diet group, while in the absence of changes in lifestyle weight tends to increase (0.92 ± 0.58 kg). In total, 12% of LIPOXmax-trained subjects lost more than 10 kg and 14% lost between 5 and 10 kg. On Hill's scale of eating behavior, they increased their score of satiety (2.29 ± 1.16 P Conclusion These data of follow-up in a condition of “real life” confirm the efficacy over 1 year of this type of physical activity in obesity, and is consistent with the concept that it is favored by effects on eating behavior.