Resistance-training Induced Regional Body Composition Changes In Females With Obesity Vs. Normal Weight Obesity

Abstract

Title: Resistance-training induced regional body composition changes in females with obesity vs. normal weight obesity Selvaraj, BS, Mahan, C., Kloiber, S., Givan, A., Clements, M., Sanguinette, D., Larumbe-Zabala. E., Fernandez-del-Valle M. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training on regional body composition and fat loss, including upper and lower limbs and trunk, in females with obesity and normal weight obesity (NWO). METHODS: A total of 12 young females with obesity (BMI: 34.1±3.3; percentage body fat [%BF]: 49.2±2.9) and 15 with NWO (BMI: 22.2±1.8; %BF: 35.1±4.5) were randomized into control (obesity n=6, NWO n=8) and resistance training (obesity n=6, NWO n=7). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and a maximal strength test were performed before and after a 3-week intervention. Percent change (%∆) of left and right trunk, arms, legs (LTfat, RTfat, LAfat, RAfat, LLfat and RLfat, respectively) and body fat were recorded. Training consisted of 3 sessions/week for 3 weeks, and 3 sets of 10 repetitions including 7 exercises that targeted major muscle groups. Participants were trained at 80% of their 1-repetition maximum. RESULTS: Non-parametric tests showed a statistically significant difference in %∆LTfat (-1.05±3.99%, p=0.032) and a trend in %∆BF (-1.73±1.93%, P=0.056) in the resistance training obesity group when compared to control. No statistically significant changes were found in NWO group. CONCLUSION: Resistance training has shown to induce significant changes in the obesity group by reducing LTfat content. However, no changes were detected in the NWO group. Future research should include larger sample size to facilitate the detection of regional body composition changes and to help understand the differential impact of resistance training in women with obesity and NWO.