Selection of appropriate exercise regimens for weight reduction during VLCD and maintenance

Body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and physical work capacity (aerobic capacity) were measured in four groups of 10 overweight women during 8 weeks of VLCD (405 kcal/day (42 g protein] followed by 8 weeks of 1500 kcal/day maintenance with two additional non dieting groups as controls. Five groups, i.e. two control groups plus three dieting groups, undertook exercise in bicycle ergometry (aerobic) or isotonic resistance or 8 week ergometry followed by 8 week resistance. Weight loss and body composition patterns were similar in diet and diet and exercise groups but efficiency of residual FFM in isotonic resistance groups improved significantly (P less than 0.05). Strength gains/kg body weight significantly improved (P less than 0.05) in the isotonic and dieting group. We conclude that exercise with VLCD is beneficial particularly isotonic resistance training, in improving muscular efficiency and RMR/lean.