The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition and Psycho-Emotional State in Obese Women

Background. Overweight and obesity are described as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that can affect health (WHO, 2016). Aerobic exercise as a form of physical activity is highly recommended for people with overweight and obesity by reducing weight and fat mass (Lee, Oh, 2014). Furthermore, it has a positive effect on mental health (Said et al., 2017). The aim of the study was to determine the impact of four-week aerobic exercise on body composition and psycho-emotional status in obese women. Methods. Twelve obese women participated in moderate intensity aerobic training intervention (65–75% of max HR). Duration of the session was 60 min, 3 times per week. Measurements were taken twice: at the beginning and at the end of the study. Body composition was evaluated with “Tanita TBF-300” (UK Ltd., UK) analyzer: body weight (kg), BMI (kg/m2), percentage fat mass, fat mass (kg), fat free mass (kg), total body water (kg). Waist and hip circumferences were measured with a centimeter strip. To estimate psycho-emotional status we used Perceived Stress Scale 14 (PSS-14). Results. After aerobic exercise intervention, the body weight, fat mass, hip and waist circumferences were signifcantly reduced (p < 0.05). Changes in body mass index, lean body mass and waist-hip ratio were not statistically signifcant (p ≥ 0.05). During the study, the effect of aerobic exercise intervention on the psychoemotional state was evaluated and subjectively perceived stress decreased statistically signifcantly (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Aerobic exercise intervention for four weeks reduced body weight, fat mass, waist and hip circumference and improved psycho-emotional state in obese women.Keywords: aerobic exercise, physical therapy, overweight, body composition, stress.