The effects of different feeding regimens and endurance exercise programs on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism

The effects of running or swimming regimens of 4 months duration, coupled with three different feeding patterns were investigated on the following parameters: (1) fat cell diameter, number, lipid content and free fatty acid mobilization; (2) skeletal muscle and liver glycogen storage and utilization; (3) work capacity. Regular enforced rigorous exercise resulted in decreased fat cell diameter and lipid content; enhanced liver and skeletal muscle glycogen stores; increased FFA mobilization; glycogen depletion with exhaustive exercise. Running was found to be a more strenuous exercise regimen than swimming in terms of total mobilization and utilization of energy substrates and time to exhaustion. Exercise was found to be more effective in reducing lipid accumulation and glycogen deposition than strict dietary restriction.