Physical training of obese middle-aged persons

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Obesity Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity and poor physical fitness are significant health concerns in middle-aged populations.
• Individually tailored exercise interventions are crucial for managing weight and improving cardiovascular health.
• Understanding the long-term effects of moderate physical training is essential for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of individually prescribed moderate physical training on aerobic power and body weight.
• To assess changes in maximal oxygen consumption and body mass index (BMI) over a 17-month period.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of personalized exercise programs for obese, middle-aged individuals with low fitness levels.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 210 obese middle-aged men and women (BMI > 25 kg/m2) with poor physical fitness was recruited.
• 169 participants without regular medication were included in the analysis, with 95 completing the 17-month training program.
• Maximal oxygen consumption was measured, and an individualized training program (walking, skiing) was prescribed and monitored every six weeks.

Main Results:

• Actively training participants showed a significant increase in aerobic power (14% in men, 11% in women) within two months, sustained throughout the study.
• Body weight decreased, with a mean loss of 4.8 kg in men and 3.3 kg in women after 17 months.
• The most substantial changes in body weight and aerobic capacity occurred during the initial months of the training program.

Conclusions:

• Individually prescribed moderate physical training is effective in improving aerobic power in obese, middle-aged adults.
• The training program resulted in a significant, albeit modest, reduction in body weight.
• Personalized exercise interventions offer a viable strategy for enhancing physical fitness and managing weight in this demographic.