The Effect of A Weight-Loss Diet in Women Doing Reformer Pilates: A 12-Week Evaluation

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to define the effect of a weight-loss diet on body composition in women doing reformer pilates for 12 weeks. It compares dietary habits in subject groups with and without a weight-loss diet and macro and micronutrient intakes at the beginning and end of the study. Method: A total of 49 women (≥18 age) were randomly allocated to either a control (CG: reformer pilates; n=23) or a study (SG: reformer pilates+weight-loss diet; n=26) group. In both groups, subjects did pilates for 45 minutes a day three times a week for a total of 12 weeks. Their body weight (kg), waist circumference (cm), hip circumference (cm), neck circumference (cm), mid-upper arm circumference (cm), body composition, waist/height ratio, and body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) were evaluated at the beginning and the third month of the study. Dietary habits of all subjects were questioned, their 24-hour retrospective food consumption was taken, and their physical activity levels were evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form). Results: The use of vitamin and mineral supplements in SG was lower than CG (p=0.003). The twelve-week evaluation showed a significantly higher increase in dietary protein and calcium levels in SG than CG (p<0.05). In SG, a significantly higher decrease was determined in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist/height ratio, and a higher increase in Basal Metabolic Rate, body muscle, and body water, compared to CG (p<0.05). Conclusion: Pilates combined with a weight-loss diet has more positive effects on body composition than pilates alone. Providing dietary training and counseling for women who practice reformer pilates will increase the health benefits of exercise.