Abstract
Background: Intermittent fasting (IF) combined with exercise has been suggested to enhance weight loss. However, both procedures might negatively influence acid–base status. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effects of IF, exercise training and alkaline supplementation in overweight subjects on body composition and running performance. Methods: 80 overweight subjects of age 45.5 ± 7.8 years were assigned to IF or non-intermittent fasting (nIF). Furthermore, subjects were randomly assigned to take either an alkaline supplement (IF-v, nIF-v) or a placebo (IF-p, nIF-p) twice a day. All subjects performed a personalized endurance exercise program (3–4 times/week for 12 weeks). Body weight, body composition, running performance and acid–base parameters were determined before (pre) and after the 12-week program (post). Results: 68 participants completed the study. There was a significant effect on body weight loss, body fat loss, visceral fat loss and running performance enhancement in all groups (p < 0.01) for pre and post measurements. Body weight decreased in all groups (IF-p: −5.80 ± 0.77 kg and nIF-p: −3.40 ± 0.58 kg; IF-v: −8.28 ± 0.75 kg and nIF-v: −5.59 ± 0.87 kg). In both dietary strategies, weight loss was significantly further enhanced by alkaline supplementation. The increase in running velocity was significantly higher in IF combined with alkaline supplementation (IF-v 1.73 ± 0.23 km/h and IF-p 0.97 ± 0.20 km/h). In addition, alkaline supplementation increased plasma HCO3− concentration and urinary pH. Conclusion: Exercise training in combination with IF and alkaline supplementation is an effective strategy to reduce body weight and improve running performance in a 12-week intervention.
Highlights
It is generally known that being overweight is a major risk factor for various diseases
There were no significant differences in baseline data for age and body composition
Basal metabolic rate decreased in all four groups from pre test (IF-p: 1767 ± 312; Intermittent fasting (IF)-v: 1755 ± 337; non-intermittent fasting (nIF)-p: 1706 ± 274; nIF-v: 1743 ± 372) to post test (IF-p: 1674 ± 289; IF-v: 1727 ± 308; nIF-p: 1685 ± 266; nIF-v: 1697 ± 373) significantly
Summary
It is generally known that being overweight is a major risk factor for various diseases. Losing weight is a proven method to reduce overweight-associated risk factors [1] and mortality [2]. There are two strategies for weight loss: to increase physical activity and/or decrease caloric intake. The most popular scheme of IF includes two days with very low intake of calories per week (5:2 method). Intermittent fasting (IF) combined with exercise has been suggested to enhance weight loss. Both procedures might negatively influence acid–base status. The aim of this study was to determine the combined effects of IF, exercise training and alkaline supplementation in overweight subjects on body composition and running performance. Methods: 80 overweight subjects of age 45.5 ± 7.8 years were assigned to IF or non-intermittent fasting (nIF). All subjects performed a personalized endurance exercise program
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.