Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a walking and resistance exercise on body composition and lipid profile in obese women.
METHODS
Fourty three women were assigned to experimental group (n=21) or control group (n=22). The walking and resistance exercise using elastic band was provided three times a week for 12 weeks. Weight, height, body mass index, body fat percentage, abdominal fatness, skeletal muscle mass, body fatness, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were measured before and after the program. Paired and independent t-tests were performed using SAS program.
RESULTS
Weight (t=-5.35, p<.001), body mass index (t=-4.12, p<.001), body fat percentage (t=-2.33, p=.026), and body fatness (t=-4.32, p<.001) were significantly decreased and skeletal muscle mass (t=2.09, p=.044) was significantly increased after the walking and resistance exercise. Also, total cholesterol (t=-3.03, p=.006) and LDL cholesterol (t=-2.70, p=.011) were significantly decreased and HDL cholesterol (t=2.05, p=.046) was significantly increased after the exercise program.
CONCLUSION
According to the study result, exercise led a positive outcome on obese women in their 30~40s. The walking and resistance exercise will contribute to the improving body composition and lipid profile in this population.