VO2 Max and Body Mass in Overweight and Obese Young Adults

Low levels of cardiovascular fitness and unfavorable cardiovascular risk profiles are detected in the young population. Clinical studies have recognized a strong association between low cardio respiratory fitness and mortality. Cardio respiratory fitness can be best assessed by measuring aerobic capacity or maximal oxygen consumption. Body composition factors like fat percentage and lean body mass have close relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness. Researchers have tried correlating BMI, body fat and fat free mass with VO2 max and have reported conflicting results. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the relation between BMI, Body fat percentage and VO2Max in overweight and obese young adults.

Volunteers (n=62) in the age group of 19–30 years of age with BMI ≥ 25kg/m2 were included in the study. Height, weight were measured and BMI calculated using Quetelet index, Skin fold measurements were taken and fat percent, lean body mass were derived using standard equations. VO2 max was estimated according to Bruce protocol.

The relation between BMI, Fat percent and lean body mass was done using Karl Pearson's correlation. There was an inverse correlation between BMI (p<0.001) and a positive correlation between LBM and VO2 max (p<0.001). Fat percent showed a negative correlation but was not statistically significant (p=0.14).

The important determinant of cardiorespiratory fitness is BMI and Lean body mass. To attain a worthy cardiorespiratory fitness level in overweight and obese individuals’ any physical activity should target an increase in lean body mass and a reduction in fat percent.