Why Strength Training is Key for Obese Women: Fat Loss, Muscle Gain, and Cardiovascular Health in One Program
SUMMARY: Strength training effectively improves body composition and strength in obese women, with similar fat loss and cardiovascular benefits as cardio. KEY FINDINGS: Strength training significantly increased fat-free mass and decreased body fat percentage. Both strength and cardio training resulted in similar fat mass and waist circumference reduction. Cardiovascular health improved similarly in both the strength and cardio groups. Strength training led to greater increases in overall strength, especially in the bench press. Muscle mass growth from strength training enhances long-term fat loss and resting energy expenditure. Strength training potentially suppresses appetite more than cardio. No constrained energy expenditure was noted with strength training, unlike cardio. The combination of resistance and aerobic training was most effective for body composition improvements. Strength training interventions showed the highest effectiveness for cardiorespiratory fitness. Incorporating resistance training is crucial for comprehensive health improvements in obese women. CONCLUSION: Strength training enhances muscle mass and fat loss effectively. Combining resistance and aerobic exercises yields the best overall health outcomes. Strength training improves cardiovascular health comparably to cardio. Appetite suppression and energy expenditure benefits are notable in strength training. Resistance training is vital for achieving significant health improvements in obese women. T/L Note EXOFFIT refers to 'Exercise for Obese Females: Improving Fitness and Health'