Improve Body Composition Research Articles

Assessment of the Efficacy in Athletes and Non-Athletes of the Use of Creatine Monohydrate in Physical Exercise: A Systematic Review

Background: Considering the growing awareness of the population regarding the importance of engaging in physical activity, the utilization of supplements, such as creatine monohydrate, is also expanding in search of the attributed benefits of these substances. This study describes and analyzes the relationship between supplementation with creatine monohydrate and the improvement in the athletic performance of athletes from various disciplines and training levels, as well as non-athletes. Material and methods: A systematic review of clinical trials that address the use of creatine monohydrate in various sports contexts was conducted, followed by an analysis of the results based on body composition, jump capacity, and strength performance to determine points of correlation between the data presented in each publication. Results: A significant improvement in body composition, jump capacity, and strength performance was observed among participants who used supplementation, although in many cases, the results were heterogeneous. Conclusion: Creatine monohydrate supplementation positively influences body composition and physical performance, but further research is needed to understand its effects in specific populations.

Long-term Changes in Body Composition and Exercise Capacity Following Calorie Restriction and Exercise Training in Older Patients with Obesity and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Obesity combined with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the dominant form of HF among older persons. In a randomized trial, we previously showed that a 5-month calorie restriction (CR) program, with or without aerobic exercise training (AT), resulted in significant weight and fat loss and improved exercise capacity. However, little is known regarding the long-term effects of these outcomes after a short-term (5-month) intervention of CR with or without AT in older patients with obesity and HFpEF. Sixteen participants from either the CR or CR+AT who experienced significant weight loss ≥ 2 kg were reexamined after a long-term follow-up endpoint (28.0 ± 10.8 months) without intervention. The follow-up assessment included body weight and composition via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and exhaustive cardiopulmonary treadmill exercise testing. Compared to the 5-month time-point intervention endpoint, at the long-term follow-up endpoint, mean body weight increased +5.2 ± 4.0 kg (90.7 ± 11.2 kg vs 95.9 ± 11.9; P < 0.001) due to increased fat mass (38.9 ± 9.3 vs 43.8 ± 9.8; P < 0.001) with no change in lean mass (49.6 ± 7.1 vs 49.9±7.6; P = 0.67), resulting in worse body composition (decreased lean-to-fat mass). Change in total mass was strongly and significantly correlated with change in fat mass (r = 0.75; P < 0.001), whereas there appeared to be a weaker correlation with change in lean mass (r = 0.50; P = 0.051). Additionally, from the end of the 5-month time-point intervention endpoint to the long-term follow-up endpoint, there were large, significant decreases in VO2peak (-2.2 ± 2.1 mL/kg/min; P = 0.003) and exercise time (-2.4 ± 2.6 min; P = 0.006). There appeared to be an inverse correlation between the change in VO2peak and the change in fat mass (r = -0.52; P = 0.062). Although CR and CR+AT in older patients with obesity and HFpEF can improve body composition and exercise capacity significantly, these positive changes diminish considerably during long-term follow-up endpoints, and regained weight is predominantly adipose, resulting in worsened overall body composition compared to baseline. This suggests a need for long-term adherence strategies to prevent weight regain and maintain improvements in body composition and exercise capacity following CR in older patients with obesity and HFpEF.

Becoming a World Champion Powerlifter at 71Years of Age: It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising.

This case study assessed body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic health of the present female world champion powerlifter in the 70+ age category who started resistance exercise training at 63years of age with no prior experience with structured exercise training. Measures of body composition (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, leg volume); strength (one-repetition maximum leg press and extension, maximum voluntary contraction, and handgrip strength); physical function (short physical performance battery); cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption); and metabolic health (oral glucose tolerance test) were assessed. In addition, a muscle biopsy was collected to assess muscle fiber type distribution and cross-sectional area (CSA). Where possible, data were compared with previously (un)published sex- and age-matched data using z scores. Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated by dividing limb muscle mass by height squared. Data from the control groups are expressed as mean ± 95% confidence interval. Our participant (age: 71years; body mass: 64.5kg; body mass index: 27.6kg/m2) reported a good bone mineral density of 1.09g/cm2 (T score between -1 and +1) and very low values of abdominal and organ body fat (i.e.,between 20% and 70% lower compared with a reference group of postmenopausal women). In addition, she showed a 33% greater skeletal muscle mass index when compared with healthy, older female control subjects (7.9 vs. 5.9 [5.7-6.2] kg/m2; n = 61) as well as 37% greater muscle quadriceps CSA (63.8 vs. 46.6 [44.5-48.7] cm2; n = 48) and 46% greater Type II muscle fiber CSA (4,536 vs. 3,097 [2,707-3,488] μm2; n = 19). Absolute leg press muscle strength was 36% greater (190 vs. 140 [132-147] kg; n = 30) and handgrip strength was 33% greater (33 vs. 25 [23-26] kg; n = 48) when compared with healthy, age-matched controls. In conclusion, even for resistance exercise naïve individuals, starting exercise at an advanced age can lead to improvements in body composition and muscle strength allowing older adults to reduce the risk for developing metabolic syndrome, live independently, and even compete at a world class level.

Sulfur Amino Acid Restriction Enhances Exercise Capacity in Mice by Boosting Fat Oxidation in Muscle.

Dietary restriction of the sulfur-containing amino acids methionine and cysteine (SAAR) improves body composition, enhances insulin sensitivity, and extends lifespan; benefits seen also with endurance exercise. Yet, the impact of SAAR on skeletal muscle remains largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate that one week of SAAR in sedentary, young, male mice increases endurance exercise capacity. Indirect calorimetry showed that SAAR increased lipid oxidation at rest and delayed the onset of carbohydrate utilization during exercise. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of genes involved in fatty acid catabolism especially in glycolytic muscle following SAAR. These findings were functionally supported by increased fatty acid circulatory turnover flux and muscle β-oxidation. Reducing lipid uptake from circulation through endothelial cell (EC)-specific CD36 deletion attenuated the running phenotype. Mechanistically, VEGF-signaling inhibition prevented exercise increases following SAAR, without affecting angiogenesis, implicating noncanonical VEGF signaling and EC CD36-dependent fatty acid transport in regulating exercise capacity by influencing muscle substrate availability.

Improving Body Composition Analysis in Oncology: Do Measures From Multicompartment, 2C and CT Agree? Implications for Monitoring Sarcopenia Risk

Improving Body Composition Analysis in Oncology: Do Measures From Multicompartment, 2C and CT Agree? Implications for Monitoring Sarcopenia Risk

The Impact of Core Stability Exercises on Weight Loss and Body Composition among Obese Patients

Background: While the advantages of core stability exercises for overall fitness and injury prevention are well-established, further research is needed to understand their impact on weight reduction and body composition in the obese population. Hence, the present study aims to determine the effects of core stability exercises on weight loss, BMI and body composition measures among obese individuals. Methods: This pre-post intervention design involved adults aged 18-40 years with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² engaged in a supervised core stability exercise program for 12 weeks. The exercise sessions occurred thrice weekly, each lasting approximately 40 minutes. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, a pre-post comparison was performed which revealed a significant mean difference (p&lt;0.05) in all the outcome measures. The value of BMI was reduced to 27.53±2.56, weight to 75.25±3.34, BF% to 30.14±1.56 and WHR to 0.85±0.56. Conclusion: The study found that 12-week core stability exercises significantly decreased weight, BMI, BF%, and WHR in an obese group. The planned and focused nature of the exercises resulted in improved body composition and weight loss. Thus, these exercises in regular fitness routines can be an effective strategy for reducing obesity and enhancing overall health. Keywords: Body Fat, Body Mass Index, Exercises, Obesity.

Acquisition and Retention Effects of Fundamental Movement Skills on Physical Activity and Health-Related Fitness of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This study adopted a quasi-experimental design to explore the effects of fundamental movement skill intervention on the acquisition and retention of physical activity levels and health-related fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the experiments, 11 children received fundamental motor skill training (12 weeks, 60 min/session, 4 times/week), and 10 children maintained traditional physical activity. Assessments were performed using an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer, health-related fitness pre-post intervention, and 1-month follow-up tests. The sedentary time during physical activity was significantly decreased (p = 0.01), and there were large changes in health-related physical fitness indicators, including significantly improved body composition (body mass index, F(1,19) = 8.631, p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.312), muscle strength and endurance (sit-ups, F(1,19) = 3.376, p = 0.02, partial η2 = 0.151 and vertical jumps, F(1,19) = 5.309, p = 0.04, partial η2 = 0.218), and flexibility (sit and reach, F(1,19) = 36.228, p = 0.02, partial η2 = 0.656). Moreover, the follow-up tests showed that the children's sedentary time continued to reduce, and the muscle strength and endurance (sit-ups, F(1,19) = 4.215, p = 0.01, partial η2 = 0.426) improved continuously after the intervention. Based on this study, actionable and regular fundamental movement skill programs can be provided in the future as an effective way to achieve the healthy development goals of children with ASD.

The Role of Exercise: Physical Fitness Changes Caused by Hypocaloric Diet and Exercise in Men Who Are Overweight

Objective There is evidence showing the effect of hypocaloric diet and increasing physical activity on weight loss. However, the effect of these factors on body composition and functional capacity remains unclear. Also, it is not clear which type of exercise (aerobic, resistance) has effective health benefits for men who are overweight. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a 12-week combined exercise or walking intervention combined with a hypocaloric diet provides improvements in body composition and functional capacity of men who are overweight compared to those who do not exercise. Methods 60 healthy adult men who are overweight were randomized and divided into 3 groups: 1: Hypocaloric Diet + Combined Exercise; 2: Hypocaloric Diet + Walking; 3: Hypocaloric Diet. The exercise groups were trained for 12 wk, 3 days a week and 60 min (60 min\\3 days\\12 wk). Body composition was determined with Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) device, strength parameters with MicroFet 2, functional capacity with 6-min walking test. Results Improvement was observed in all groups at the end of 12 wk. The greatest improvement was in the combined exercise group. While the values of the combined exercise group increased in Skeletal Muscle Mass, there was a decline in the walking and non-exercising group. Basal Metabolism was maintained in combined exercise, but a decrease occurred in the non-exercising group. Muscle force increased in combined exercise; however, it was maintained in the legs in the walking group. Cardiorespiratory fitness was at best level in walking group, but there was no difference between combined exercise. Conclusions As a result, a hypocaloric diet without an exercise prescription is sufficient to lose weight in the short term (12 wk) at a certain level. But exercise is more important for body composition, weight management and functional capacity. Long-term and in-depth studies should be conducted to interpret the results better.

The importance of anatomical knowledge and execution technique for optimizing strength training results: opinion article

Strength training is essential for maintaining and optimizing health and is an effective non-pharmacological resource in the treatment of various comorbidities. The repercussions revolve around the promotion of motivated adaptations due to the planning and structuring of the training program through the manipulation of variables such as intensity, volume, selection and order of exercises, weekly frequency, cadence, and amplitude. These include the manipulation of variables such as intensity, volume, exercise selection and order, recovery interval, weekly frequency, cadence, and amplitude. This study aims to discuss the importance of anatomical knowledge and the use of an appropriate execution technique, which must be applied in strength exercises. However, what can be observed in practice is a lack of methodology, as well as an undefined movement standard of exercises, which is based on the premise of improving body composition. In this context, the study points to the need for a more robust discussion on the movement standard and the application of an adequate execution technique in three exercises commonly prescribed in physical training programs. Implementing a proper execution technique based on origin, muscle and joint insertion and actions could optimize strength, hypertrophy, and weight loss results. And, since improving these components is related to a reduction in comorbidities, there is a need for studies that discuss the role of movement execution in greater depth. Thus, further research could evoke a debate on the feasibility of incorporating execution technique as the eighth variable in muscle strength training. Keywords: Physical exercise; physical training; body composition.

Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We investigated the effects of a 16-week combined exercise training on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether significant alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes. This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-week combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min/session, 3 times/week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-week intervention to determine lipid profile, metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) (n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, p = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, p = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, p = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-week follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, p < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared to exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, p = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the HOMA-IR index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, p = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, p = 0.075) to a greater extent compared to the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, p = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, p = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than control group. IL-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (time effect: F = 9.781, p = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared to exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, p = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6 and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline BMI, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR index in the exercise (r = 0.565, p = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, p = 0.002) groups. A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.

Changes in body composition, adipokines, ghrelin, and FGF23 in growth hormone-deficient children during rhGH therapy.

Beyond growth acceleration, growth hormone (GH) therapy improves body composition of GH-deficient (GHD) children due to the interaction of GH with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, possibly mediated by adipokines secreted by adipose tissue and ghrelin. To promote linear growth, it is essential to have normal phosphate homeostasis. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a known regulator of serum phosphorus and may be responsible for the increased renal phosphorus reabsorption observed during GH therapy. This study aimed to assess the impact of one-year GH therapy on body composition, adipokines, acylated/unacylated ghrelin (AG/UAG), and FGF23 in GHD children. A prospective observational study of 42 prepubertal, non-obese GHD children followed up in the first year of GH replacement therapy, investigating changes in adipokine profiles, AG/UAG, FGF23, and body composition. Data before therapy onset were compared with measurements obtained after 6 and 12 months of GH therapy. All children with a mean age of 9.2 ± 2.6 years grew at an accelerated pace. Total body fat decreased significantly, while the lipid profile improved, and total bone mineral density (BMD) significantly increased over the 12 months of treatment. Leptin and UAG levels decreased significantly, whereas adiponectin and AG values increased. A significant increase in plasma FGF23 and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) was accompanied by increased serum phosphate. Changes in FGF23 concentration did not have an impact on BMD. The strong association of FGF23 with IGF1 and height standard deviation (SD) could reveal a role of FGF23 in linear growth. In regression analysis models, GH therapy influences the changes of leptin and adiponectin, but not ghrelin, independently of body composition - lean or fat mass. GH replacement therapy improves body composition and adipokine profile in GHD children and directly impacts leptin and adiponectin concentrations independently of body composition. Also, GHD children have increased serum phosphate, correlated with upregulation rather than with suppression of FGF23, an unexpected observation given the phosphaturic role of FGF23. Further research is needed to identify the molecular mechanisms by which the GH/IGF1 axis influences adipokines secretion and plasma changes of FGF23.

The effect of granulated collagen tripeptide on sarcopenia in aged mice compared with collagen tripeptide

This study investigates the efficacy of granulated collagen tripeptide (gCTP) in mitigating sarcopenia in aged mice compared to CTP. 58 weeks (male, n = 38) C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups: an aging control, 0.03 % Gly-Pro-Hyp, 0.9 % CTP, and 0.9 % gCTP-supplemented group. gCTP administration significantly increased lean mass without altering body weight, indicating potential benefits in improving body composition in aged mice. Moreover, gCTP enhanced muscle synthesis pathways, including IGF1/PI3K/mTOR axis and myogenin expression, increasing muscle mass and strength. Additionally, gCTP reduced muscle and systemic inflammation, as evidenced by decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and myokines. Notably, gCTP enhanced intestinal absorption of peptides, potentially contributing to improved protein synthesis. gCTP demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating sarcopenia and related symptoms in aged mice compared to CTP, attributed to differences in absorption. These findings provide insights into the potential of gCTP supplementation as a therapeutic strategy for sarcopenia.

Exploring Vegetarian and Omnivorous Approaches to Cardiovascular Risk and Body Composition.

The role of nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases has been widely studied in recent years, with indications that non-animal-based diets might improve body composition and therefore bring multiple health benefits. For all of these reasons, the main purpose was to compare body composition and metabolic status between vegetarian and omnivorous individuals and relate these values with cardiovascular risk. The present analysis included 176 participants (61 vegetarians and 115 omnivores). Body composition was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biochemical parameters obtained from capillary blood, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk (10RCVD) calculated by the QRISK3 score. No statistical differences were found between groups regarding body composition. Concerning metabolic markers, vegetarian individuals showed reduced values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). There were no differences in 10RCVD between groups. In both diets, moderate correlations between groups were found for cardiovascular risk and visceral adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the vegetarian regimen might be associated with better cardiometabolic biomarkers and better cardiovascular health, although controversial with the body composition trends observed. In conclusion, the results suggest that cardiovascular risk appears to be more influenced by body composition, mainly fat tissue, over dietary patterns itself.

Changes in alanine aminotransferase and body composition and metabolic factors among individuals receiving medical health checkups.

To examine the relationship between changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and those in body composition and metabolic factors in participants receiving medical health checkups (4350 men [mean age 52.5years] and 5398 women [mean age 50.5years]) METHODS: We divided the participants into four types based on their ALT value at baseline and 1year: A, ALT≤30 (baseline) and ≤30 (1year); B, ALT ≥31 (baseline) and ≤30 (1year); C, ALT≤30 (baseline) and ≥31 (1year); and D, ALT≥31 (baseline) and ≥31 (1year). The change in each body composition-related parameter (waist circumference, fat mass, fat-free mass, fat mass to fat-free mass ratio, etc.) after 1-year was defined as Δ. The mean changes in waist circumference (cm) in the four types (A, B, C, and D) were -0.33, -1.54, 0.66, and -0.29 (overall p<0.0001) in men, and -0.19, -0.90, 0.30, and 0.090 (overall p<0.0001) in women. The mean changes in fat mass (kg) in the four types were -0.027, -0.86, 0.62, and 0.092 (overall p<0.0001) in men, and 0.0067, -0.48, 0.39, and 0.063 (overall p<0.0001) in women. The mean changes in fat-free mass (kg) in the four types were -0.028, -0.55, 0.42, and -0.034 (overall p<0.0001) in men, and -0.0091, -0.34, 0.12, and -0.045 (overall p=0.0012) in women. The mean changes in fat mass to fat-free mass ratio in the four types were -0.00042, -0.0120, 0.00837, and 0.00171 (overall p<0.0001) in men, and -0.00013, -0.00817, 0.00730, and 0.00628 (overall p<0.0001) in women. A decrease in ALT to ≤30IU/L may be associated with improved body composition balance, but caution should be exercised for the decrease in muscle mass.

6-week time-restricted eating improves body composition, maintains exercise performance, without exacerbating eating disorder in female DanceSport dancers.

Despite the high risk of eating disorder (ED)-related attitudes and behaviors among female dancers, targeted scientific dietary regimens are currently inadequate. Time-restricted eating (TRE), a popular intermittent fasting protocol, has been shown to be effective in enhancing body composition and exercise performance in athletes. In this study, TRE was employed as a dietary regimen to improve body composition and exercise performance and address ED attitudes and behaviors in DanceSport dancers. Twenty female DanceSport dancers were recruited and divided into two groups: TRE (n = 10) and normal diet (ND) (n = 10). The TRE group consumed their self-selected necessary energy intake exclusively between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. (utilizing a 16-hour fasting and 8-hour eating window) for 6 weeks, while the ND group maintained their regular dieting patterns. The consumption of water, black tea, or coffee without added sugar or milk was not restricted. Physical activity and calorie intake were systematically recorded during the TRE intervention. Body composition, aerobic and anaerobic performance, and ED attitudes and behaviors were assessed before and after the TRE intervention. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry under the identifier ChiCTR2200063780. The fixed effects tests (p < 0.0001) and estimates for the intercept (p < 0.0001) of hunger level indicated a noticeable effect on the initial state of hunger during TRE. No significant differences were observed in ED attitudes or behaviors (p > 0.05). TRE resulted in a reduction in hip circumference (p = 0.039), fat mass (kg) (p = 0.0004), and body fat percentage (p = 0.0005), with no significant decrease in fat-free mass (p > 0.05). No significant improvement was observed in aerobic performance (p > 0.05). The average power (AP) (p = 0.01) and AP/Body weight ratio (p = 0.003) significantly increased. Additionally, the power drop decreased significantly (p = 0.019). Group-by-time interactions were observed for fat mass (kg) (p = 0.01), body fat percentage (p = 0.035), and AP/Body weight (p = 0.020). TRE can be considered a feasible nutritional strategy for DanceSport dancers, facilitating improvements in body composition without compromising aerobic and anaerobic exercise performance or exacerbating ED attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, TRE may facilitate more favorable physiological adaptations, potentially contributing to improved exercise performance.

Physical fitness in the elderly

This semi-experimental study aimed to investigate the impact of personalized and supervised exercise on the physical fitness of elderly people. Ninety people aged 60 or over took part in the study, in which significant improvements were observed in various dimensions of physical fitness. The data analyzed showed significant improvements in several dimensions of physical fitness. In particular, localized muscular strength and endurance showed substantial gains, highlighting the effectiveness of our exercise programs in improving functional capacity. When comparing the diagnostic and formative assessments, differences were observed, including improvements in body composition, localized muscular endurance, muscular strength and a positive evolution in the general fitness index (∆% = 7.89%, p&gt;0.0001). This study emphasizes the possible benefits of individualized and supervised exercise programs to promote physical fitness and independence in the elderly population.

EFFECT OF MODERATE INTENSITY CONTINUOUS TRAINING (MICT) ON OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Objective: The aim of this review is to find out the effectiveness of Moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) on overweight and obesity. Method: The articles were selected from various authentic platforms like Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect. The articles were selected from the year 2017-2023. Total articles selected were around 21 and only 10 articles were selected for the study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The effectiveness of MICT was observed among the articles with the intervention duration of majority of the articles was 12 weeks but few were 4,6,8,10 and 24 weeks respectively. MICT is an effective way to improve body composition, reduce inflammation and increases physical fitness, improving HRQOL, IWQOL, BP, Physical and mental health along with reducing body weight, lipid profile and VO2 max levels. MICT is extremely effective in reduction of liver fat, body fat, BMI, body fat%, blood glucose, DBP, visceral fat, waist circumference Conclusion: In this review it was found that, in overweight or obese populations MICT was effective in weight loss and improving most health markers. For weight loss and ease of implementation MICT might be preferred. KEYWORDS: Aerobic training, adolescents, adults, moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), Obesity, Overweight

Determining the Effects of a 12-Week Moderate Intensity Circuit Exercise Program on Body Composition and Physical Fitness among Overweight Women of Working Age

Objectives. The study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity circuit exercise program on body composition and physical fitness among overweight women of working age. Materials and methods. Twenty-nine overweight women of working age were divided into two groups: the control group (CG, n = 14) had a normal daily life, and the moderate intensity circuit exercise group (MICE, n = 15) underwent training that included 3 sessions of MICE (40–50 seconds followed by 60 seconds of rest for each exercise and 90 seconds of recovery between sessions at 64–76% of maximum heart rate). The training was conducted for 60 minutes per day, three days per week. Body composition and physical fitness were measured before (2 days prior) and after (2 days post) a 12-week training period. Results. After the 12-week training, the MICE showed a considerable improvement in a number of key health indicators, including body weight, BMI, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue, total energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (-0.65%, -0.73%, -2.16%, 2.53%, -7.12%, 10.85%, 0.71%, -3.13%, and -2.67%, respectively, p &lt; 0.05) when compared to the CG. Similarly, the MICE demonstrated a significantly larger improvement in the sit and reach test, the back extension test, the hand grip strength of the right hand, hand grip strength of the left hand, leg strength, the 60-second chair stand test (also known as sit-to-stand test), and the maximum oxygen consumption (18.98%, 16.53%, 10.69%, 7.68%, 9.97%, 26.25%, and 8.87%) compared to the CG (-4.10%, -1.19%, -0.26%, -1.53%, -1.44%, 0.24%, and -0.70%), respectively. Conclusions. Moderate-intensity circuit exercise has been found to have positive effects on improving body composition and physical fitness in overweight working women. Thus, the implementation of MICE with appropriate sessions, resting, duration, and training periods can achieve maximum benefit.

Determining the Effects of a 12-Week Moderate Intensity Circuit Exercise Program on Body Composition and Physical Fitness among Overweight Women of Working Age

Objectives. The study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity circuit exercise program on body composition and physical fitness among overweight women of working age. Materials and methods. Twenty-nine overweight women of working age were divided into two groups: the control group (CG, n = 14) had a normal daily life, and the moderate intensity circuit exercise group (MICE, n = 15) underwent training that included 3 sessions of MICE (40–50 seconds followed by 60 seconds of rest for each exercise and 90 seconds of recovery between sessions at 64–76% of maximum heart rate). The training was conducted for 60 minutes per day, three days per week. Body composition and physical fitness were measured before (2 days prior) and after (2 days post) a 12-week training period. Results. After the 12-week training, the MICE showed a considerable improvement in a number of key health indicators, including body weight, BMI, fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, visceral adipose tissue, total energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (-0.65%, -0.73%, -2.16%, 2.53%, -7.12%, 10.85%, 0.71%, -3.13%, and -2.67%, respectively, p &lt; 0.05) when compared to the CG. Similarly, the MICE demonstrated a significantly larger improvement in the sit and reach test, the back extension test, the hand grip strength of the right hand, hand grip strength of the left hand, leg strength, the 60-second chair stand test (also known as sit-to-stand test), and the maximum oxygen consumption (18.98%, 16.53%, 10.69%, 7.68%, 9.97%, 26.25%, and 8.87%) compared to the CG (-4.10%, -1.19%, -0.26%, -1.53%, -1.44%, 0.24%, and -0.70%), respectively. Conclusions. Moderate-intensity circuit exercise has been found to have positive effects on improving body composition and physical fitness in overweight working women. Thus, the implementation of MICE with appropriate sessions, resting, duration, and training periods can achieve maximum benefit.

A low-calorie meal replacement improves body composition and metabolic parameters in shift workers with overweight and obesity: a randomized, controlled, parallel group trial

BackgroundShift work has been identified as a risk factor for several chronic health conditions including obesity. This study evaluated the impact of a low-calorie meal replacement (MR) as a dinner substitute on body composition and metabolic parameters in shift workers with overweight and obesity.MethodsAn 8-week parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted on overweight and obese shift workers in a large hospital. An intervention group (IG) (n = 25) was provided with a low-calorie MR shake (∼200 kcal) as a replacement for dinner, every day for 8 weeks, while the control group (CG) (n = 25) continued their habitual diet. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, biochemical, and lifestyle data were assessed at the first and last visits. Analyses were done per protocol (PP) and by intention to treat (ITT).ResultsOver the study duration, both groups displayed moderate changes in anthropometric measurements and body composition, although these were not statistically significant according to the PP analysis. In the ITT analysis, apart from the hip circumference (HC), all other anthropometric parameters demonstrated significant group and time interactions, suggesting the advantageous effects of the meal replacement over the study period (P < 0.05). HDL and VLDL cholesterol measures showed significant main effects, influenced by both group (P = 0.031) and time (P = 0.050) respectively. The most pronounced dietary shift in the IG was a reduction in carbohydrate consumption and an increase in protein intake. Throughout the study, the meal replacement was well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported.ConclusionsThe meal replacement dietary intervention appears to offer beneficial health effects over time. Extended research is crucial to understand the broader implications of meal replacements across diverse populations.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622000231741. Registered on 09 February 2022. https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000231741.aspx.