Sa. Melton et al., Swimming eliminates the weight gain and abdominal fat associated with ovariectomy in the retired breeder rat despite high-fat diet selection, APPETITE, 35(1), 2000, pp. 1-7
The effects of swim-training on choice of dietary fat, carbohydrate or prot
ein, weight gain, energy intake, and energy efficiency were examined in ova
riectomized and sham-operated retired breeder rats. After a 3 week training
period of increased duration, rats swam for 75 min per session (5 days per
week) for 4 weeks. Ovariectomized rats gained more weight than sham rats,
while swimming reduced weight gain and abdominal fat. As a percentage of to
tal intake, macronutrient choices (weight and energy) were similar for all
groups, ovariectomized animals consumed more food and more energy, compared
with sham animals. All rats freely chose the majority of their food (g) as
carbohydrate and the majority of energy (kJ) as fat. Results indicate that
a moderate intensity training program of swimming prevented the weight gai
n following ovariectomy in older rats despite their excessive caloric intak
e of fat. (C) 2000 Academic Press.