Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of strength
training on fat distribution and its relationship to glucose tolerance in
obese prepubertal girls. Methods: A strength training intervention study wa
s designed in which the children exercised three times per week for 5 month
s. Twelve healthy, obese prepubertal girls (ages 7-10 yr, >95th percentile
weight for height) were enrolled in the study. Body composition was measure
d by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, and glucose
tolerance was measured by a 3-h oral glucose tolerance test at baseline and
after training. Results: Significant increases in height, weight, fat-free
mass, fat mass, and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue occurred after t
raining (P < 0.05), whereas intra-abdominal adipose tissue (IAAT) remained
stable (N = 11). Insulin area was highly correlated with IAAT before (r = 0
.91) and after (r = 0.90) training (both P < 0.01, N = 9). Conclusion: In g
rowing obese prepubertal girls undergoing a strength training program, IAAT
remains unchanged, whereas subcutaneous abdominal fat and total body fat i
ncreased; insulin area is related to IAAT in these children.