Effect of Submaximal Aerobic Exercise on Obesity

Obesity is a condition of abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissue to the extent that health may be impaired. The worldwide epidemic of excess weight is due to imbalance between physical activity and dietary energy intake. The present study was aimed to study the effectiveness of submaximal aerobic exercise intervention on obese population. The objectives of the study were to study the effect of the intervention on body mass index and waist to hip ratio.

Thirty patients with clinical diagnosis of obesity (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2) were recruited. Patients were divided into two groups i.e. control group (group A) and experimental group (group B). Control group received diet modification whereas experimental group received submaximal aerobic exercise along with diet modification. Outcome measures were documented using body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (W/H) on first day pre intervention and last day post intervention.

The t-test value of BMI for group A is 5.16 and for group B is 8.08. The t-test value of W/H for group A is 4.26 and for group B is 5.04. The mean values of BMI and W/H for control group are 0.93±0.70 and. 052±.04. The mean values of BMI and W/H for experimental group are 1.86±0.91 and 0.11±.091.

The unpaired t-test was used for between group analyses for all the outcome measures. Level of significance was defined at p ≤ 0.05 and confidence interval of 95 % was taken. The results of unpaired t-test were as follows:

BMI: 3.206 (p≤0.05)

W/H: 2.50 (p≤0.05)

Conclusion & Clinical Significance

The conclusion of the study is that submaximal aerobic exercise is helpful in reduction of body mass index and waist to hip ratio in obese population.