Exercise Intensity & Weight Loss Study
A study into the effects of exercise intensity
on body composition, weight loss, and dietary composition in women.
Exercise Intensity & Weight Loss
Study Aim
There is controversy over whether exercise and/or exercise intensity has
an effect on total caloric intake or diet composition. The purpose of
this study was to test the effect of exercise intensity without dietary
manipulation on body composition and/or weight loss and to determine whether
exercise intensity affected total caloric intake or diet composition in
normal weight young women.
Exercise Intensity & Weight Loss
Study Methods
Fifteen women aged 18 to 34 years with a maximal oxygen consumption average
or below on the Palo Alto norms served as subjects. Subjects were randomly
assigned to: 1) low heart rate intensity exercise group which exercised
40 to 45 minutes approximately four times weekly at a mean heart rate
of 132 beats per minute (bpm); 2) high heart rate intensity group which
exercised 40 to 45 minutes approximately four times weekly at a mean HR
of 163 bpm. All subjects were given a maximal exercise test prior to and
during weeks eight, 12 and 16. The first 4 weeks served as a control period,
followed by approximately 11 weeks of exercise. Each subject recorded
her dietary intake for 1 complete week, including a weekend, during weeks
2, 6, 10 and 14 of the study.
Exercise Intensity & Weight Loss
Study Results
VO2 max increased (p < .05) in HI but did not change in LI. Percent
fat decreased in HI but was unchanged in LI. The weekly intake of total
kcal, carbohydrate, protein and fat did change significantly for either
group. The weekly intake of saturated fat declined significantly in HI;
their weekly intake of cholesterol also decreased (p < .05) between
months 2 to 3. No other differences in dietary intake between groups were
found.
Exercise Intensity & Weight Loss
Study Conclusion
High heart rate intensity exercise training without dietary manipulation
resulted in a decrease in body fat, but not weight change, as well as
a decrease in the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in normal weight
young women. These changes were not observed after low heart rate intensity
training.
Source: Bryner RW, Toffle RC, Ullrich IH,
Yeater RA. Department of Exercise Physiology, School of Medicine, West
Virginia University. 1997
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