Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine whether a type of exercise favors better compliance with a prescribed diet, higher eating-related motivation, healthier diet composition or greater changes in body composition in overweight and obese subjects. One hundred and sixty-two (males n = 79), aged 18–50 years, were randomized into four intervention groups during 24 weeks: strength, endurance, combined strength + endurance and guideline-based physical activity; all in combination with a 25–30% caloric restriction diet. A food frequency questionnaire and a “3-day food and drink record” were applied pre- and post-intervention. Diet and exercise-related motivation levels were evaluated with a questionnaire developed for this study. Body composition was assessed by DXA and habitual physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage decreased and lean body mass increased after the intervention, without differences by groups. No interactions were observed between intervention groups and time; all showing a decreased in energy intake (p < 0.001). Carbohydrate and protein intakes increased, and fat intake decreased from pre- to post-intervention without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI category or gender (p < 0.001). Diet-related motivation showed a tendency to increase from pre- to post-intervention (70.0 ± 0.5 vs 71.0 ± 0.6, p = 0.053), without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI or gender. Regarding motivation for exercise, gender x time interactions were observed (F(1,146) = 7.452, p = 0.007): Women increased their motivation after the intervention (pre: 17.6 ± 0.3, post: 18.2 ± 0.3), while men maintained it. These findings suggest that there are no substantial effects of exercise type on energy intake, macronutrient selection or body composition changes. After a six-month weight loss program, individuals did not reduce their motivation related to diet or exercise, especially women. Individuals who initiate a long-term exercise program do not increase their energy intake in a compensatory fashion, if diet advices are included.
Highlights
Obesity is a public health problem, given it relates numerous risk factors for cardiovascular disease and comorbidities [1]; this points out the need for further studies
Large negative correlations between diet compliance and total energy intake (TEI) were observed in all intervention groups (p < 0.001)
Analysis of variance showed that all intervention groups, decreased body weight (F(1,143) = 661.636, p < 0.001, Effect sizes (ES) = 0.58), body mass index (BMI) (F(1,143) = 424.586, p < 0.001, ES = 0.96) and body fat percentage (F(1,143) = 485.434, p < 0.001, ES = 0.79) and increased lean body mass (F(1,143) = 484.113, p < 0.001, ES = 0.78)
Summary
Obesity is a public health problem, given it relates numerous risk factors for cardiovascular disease and comorbidities [1]; this points out the need for further studies. It is known that healthy habits of physical activity and nutrition work together to maintain body weight at desirable levels [2]. Diet contributes to a greater extent for short-term weight loss [3], exercise seems to be important in maintaining this loss [4]. Exercise might facilitate long-term adherence to healthy eating habits and behaviors. Several studies have analyzed if exercise was able to modulate food intake [5,6], indicating that participation in physical activity as well as its duration and intensity, could contribute to appetite regulation [7], total calorie intake [8] and macronutrient composition of the diet [9,10], resulting in an appropriate energy balance. Other studies have shown an association between regular physical activity and psychosocial and motivational factors related to a healthier eating behavior [11,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
