Improvement in BMI and Serum Lipoprotein Profile in Young Adults by 12-Week of Regular Brisk Walking

Increased affluence and urbanization of the Indian society has also increased the incidence of obesity and related diseases. Various forms of physical exercise are known to benefit health. We have investigated if short duration brisk walking can improve health if performed regularly, and also if the number of siblings affected the lipid profiles of the subjects.

Sixty-nine subjects (37 females), of which 33 (18 females) were control, were selected for study. Control subjects were asked to maintain their weekly diet and sedentary life styles for the next three months. Subjects of test group were asked to maintain their diet and take a half hour brisk walk every day for the next three months. Body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (W/H), and lipid profile of all 69 subjects were recorded before and after the 12 week period of study.

The BMI, W/H, and lipid profile of the control subjects showed no significant change at the end of the study period, while all these parameters improved significantly in the test group subjects. Data for all 69 subjects obtained at the beginning of the study showed that subjects with one or no sibling had significantly lower W/H and better lipid profiles compared to the values obtained for two or more siblings. Lower BMI in subjects with fewer siblings was not significant.

We suggest that this simple form of exercise in small doses should be promoted amongst the young and old as it is less daunting than special training of long duration. The BMI, W/H ratios and lipid profile were better in subjects with one or two siblings suggesting that fear of overindulging the only child is baseless and children of planned families are healthier.