The response of obese females to low impact exercise and diet counselling
Ready, A.E.; Fitzpatrick, D.W.; Boreskie, S.L.; Hrycaiko, D.W.
Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness 31(4): 587-595
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4707 PMID: 1806739 Document Number: 386804
Obese women enrolled in a 24 week low impact exercise program were assigned to either an exercise or an exercise plus diet counselling treatment. Overweight volunteers were recruited to serve as the control group. No significant changes were observed in maximal oxygen uptake, serum lipids, body composition, self esteem or physical body image during the program. A significant negative correlation was found between changes in serum HDL-C and changes in percent body fat. Maximal oxygen uptake was significantly and positively related to self esteem and physical body image. Participants who received diet counselling were less likely to drop out of the program than other members of the exercise group, and were more likely to attend classes. Changes in dietary intake were similar in all exercising subjects, regardless of counselling. These results suggest that a short term program of low impact exercise may not be sufficient to produce significant adaptations in this population.