The Effects of Eight Weeks of Aerobic Exercise on Insulin Resistance, Body Composition and Aerobic Power of Overweight Female Students

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity as a health problem is known in all over the world, as well as diseases associated with obesity, including insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease has spread. The present study investigates the effects of eight weeks of aerobic exercise on insulin resistance, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight women..

Methods: In this semi experimental study, 21 overweight women aged 20-30 years, randomly divided into 2 groups of experimental (n=10) and control (n=11), were followed for 8 weeks of aerobic exercise. The exercise program consisted of five sessions per week for 30 minutes and with an intensity of 55%-75% heart rate reserve (HRR). Fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, anthropometric indices and maximal oxygen consumption were measured before and after eight weeks.

Results: Weight (P=0.048) and body mass index (P=0.002) significantly decreased, on the other hand, VO2max significantly increased (P≤0.05) in experimental group. Only the mean changes in weight (P=0.003) and body mass index (P=0.025) was significant between the two groups.

Conclusion: Aerobic exercise in overweight women has beneficial effects on weight and body mass index. However, these interventions can be used to help prevent chronic diseases in obese and overweight.