Adiposity does not hinder the fitness response to exercise training in obese women.
BACKGROUND
This study examined how sedentary obese (OB) and normal weight (NW) women respond to exercise training; and if fitness levels of the OB and NW are comparable, in spite of differences in adiposity.


METHODS
Sedentary OB (n=46, 48.5+/-1.5 yrs, BMI=35.9+/-0.8; mean+/-SEM) and NW (n=43, 48.3+/-1.7 yrs, BMI=21.7+/-0.2) women participated in a 14-week fitness program.


RESULTS
There were no group differences in exercise adherence. No changes for either group were found for body weight or composition. Both groups improved similarly in aerobic fitness (VO2max), muscular strength (grip strength), muscular endurance (modified push-up), and flexibility (sit and reach). However, since norms for fitness are generally expressed relative to body weight (e.g. VO2max, ml x kg(-1) x min(-1); grip strength ratios), the OB women continued to be classified as unfit after exercise training, and categorized below the NW women in spite of having absolute scores for VO2max (OB=2.1+/-0.1, NW=1.8+/-0.1 l x min(-1)) and grip strength (OB=65.1+/-1.5, NW= 58.6+/-1.5 kg) that were higher than the NW women.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest that OB women respond in a similar manner as NW women to exercise; that weight loss is not necessary for improved fitness; and that the OB are not less fit than the NW, but that low fitness scores for the OB are simply a reflection of the absolute scores being deflated because they are proportioned to body weight.
Blake
A
A
Exercise Science Programs, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
Miller
W C
WC
Brown
D A
DA
D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015431:Weight Loss