The Effects of Exercise Training in Addition to Energy Restriction on Functional Capacities and Body Composition in Obese Adults during Weight Loss: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BackgroundObesity is associated with impairments of physical function, cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and the capacity to perform activities of daily living. This review examines the specific effects of exercise training in relation to body composition and physical function demonstrated by changes in cardiovascular fitness, and muscle strength when obese adults undergo energy restriction.MethodsElectronic databases were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing energy restriction plus exercise training to energy restriction alone. Studies published to May 2013 were included if they used multi-component methods for analysing body composition and assessed measures of fitness in obese adults.ResultsFourteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity of study characteristics prevented meta-analysis. Energy restriction plus exercise training was more effective than energy restriction alone for improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and increasing fat mass loss and preserving lean body mass, depending on the type of exercise training.ConclusionAdding exercise training to energy restriction for obese middle-aged and older individuals results in favourable changes to fitness and body composition. Whilst weight loss should be encouraged for obese individuals, exercise training should be included in lifestyle interventions as it offers additional benefits.

The effects of exercise modality and intensity on energy expenditure and cardiorespiratory response in adults with obesity and treated obstructive sleep apnoea

“…[10][11][12] Health organizations have merged recommendations on diet, physical activity and obesity 13 acknowledging that a healthy lifestyle is better realized by a combination of diet and exercise than by diet alone. [14][15][16] However, although many studies have compared different diets and their impact on weight loss 17 few have investigated which exercise training modality is the most effective for individuals with obesity to achieve healthy weight loss whilst improving cardiovascular fitness. 10 Weight loss attributable to exercise will be directly proportionate to the energy expenditure (EE) that is, work, whilst cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by peak oxygen uptake ðVO 2pk Þ, responds to exercise training in a dose-like fashion 18 and a minimum intensity is required for an effective fitness program.…”

Autonomous physical activity based program versus aerobic exercise based interventions to improve health and cardiovascular status in sedentary overweight adults: A review

“…Previous studies reaffirm the benefits of exercise and physical activity in many of the variables analyzed (Hebden, Chey, & Allman-Farinelli, 2012;Reed et al, 2014;Ross, Hudson, Stotz, & Lam, 2015) with both types of interventions, however it is not established what type of intervention is most recommended in each case. For example, Miller et al, (2013) analyzed the results of studies that used exercise to lower the weight of obese people. The results on the variable weight were from -3.6 to -12.6 kg depending on the test evaluated and observed mayor differences in the variable body fat with results ranging from -6.5 reductions to even -22% of body fat.…”

Body composition in clinical practice

“…Studies have shown a positive effect of exercise on BC, especially in reducing menopausal risk factors in women and enhancing treatment efficacy in older overweight adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [45]. Data obtained with severe weight loss and regain in lean people, weight cycling most likely has no adverse effects on fat distribution and metabolic risk in obese patients [46].…”