The effect of Aerobic training and low calorie diet on respiratory parameters and anthropometric indexes in overweight/obese women

 Overweight is recognized as one of the biggest health problems in the world. Obesity not only causes limitations in life but also causes many metabolic and respiratory diseases. The best way to reduce this obesity is to balance the energy consumed and consumed. The purpose of the present study was to compare the aerobic and Pilates exercise with weight loss diet on respiratory and anthropometric indices of overweight and obese women.

This experimental study was performed as pretest and posttest in Tehran. Women in their 30s and 50s who were overweight and obese (BMI above 25) were randomly selected and were divided into experimental groups (n = 10) and control (n = 11) (n = 21). Participants in the experimental group were involved in aerobics classes for 8 weeks (3 times a week) and they also went on a weight loss diet. The control group did not have any activity, but they were also given a weight loss diet. Body composition and spirometry were used to measure body composition (Weight, body mass index, lean mass and body fat percentage) and respiratory indics (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second, Forced vital capacity), respectively. Then, using SPSS software version 21, the data were analyzed with t-tests for independent groups.

Weight loss was significant in both aerobic (P = 0.01) and control (P = 0.04). The percentage of body fat and lean mass did not differ significantly between the two groups. Among the respiratory indicators, the volume of forced exhalation increased significantly in the first second in the aerobic group (P = 0.05). Compulsory vital capacity did not differ significantly in either group over 8 weeks (P = 0.15) and (P = 0.37).

8-week aerobic exercise with weight loss diet more effective than diet without physical activity on anthropometric and respiratory parameters and reduce the risk of obesity in people.