[An ambulatory physical exercise program improves in the short term weight and quality of life of obese post-menopausal women].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of an ambulatory physical exercise program on the quality of life, anthropometric and biochemical parameters in obese post-menopausal women.


METHODS
One hundred and six obese post-menopausal women were randomized to take part in an ambulatory program of physical exercise (aerobic and anaerobic), or to receive conventional information about diet and exercise. After three months, effects on quality of life were evaluated (test Euroqol, Rosenberg and subjective evaluation of health), weight, BMI, waist perimeter and fat mass, and biochemical parameters.


RESULTS
Mean age was 59.79 (8.02) years and BMI 37.51 (6.03) kg/m(2). Women included in the exercise group improved their quality of life after three months (EuroQol 0.48 (0.38) vs 0.66 (0.35); Rosenberg: 19.21 (5.05) vs 16.86 (4.94); subjective evaluation of health (%): 60.68 (19.99) vs 71.14 (17.28); p<0.01) and lost weight (90.95 (15.51) vs 88.72 (15.17); p<0.001), BMI (37.5 (5.68) vs 36.59 (5.72); p<0.001) and fat mass (46.28 (4.92)% vs 45.47 (4.88)%; p<0.01). No changes were observed in control group. 31 people withdrew the study before 12 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
An ambulatory physical exercise program improves quality of life and reduces weight and fat mass, in a short period of time, in obese post-menopausal women. The high rate of withdrawal should be considered as an inconvenient in this type of programs.
García González
Francisco
F
C. S. Fuensanta de Valencia, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España. fgarciago@hotmail.com
Ferrer García
Juan Carlos
JC
Baixauli Rubio
Aurelio
A
Albalat Galera
Raquel
R
Elvira Macagno
Laura
L
Pablos Abella
Carlos
C
Pablos Monzó
Ana
A
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy*; D017698:Postmenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss