Preferential loss of visceral fat following aerobic exercise, measured by magnetic resonance imaging

The aim of this study was to use whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI ) together with biochemical and anthropometric measurements to study the in fluence of regular moderate exercise with no dietary intervention on adipos e tissue distribution in nonobese healthy women. We found significant decre ases in both total (28.86 +/- 2.24 vs. 27.00 +/- 2.27 liters, P < 0.05) and regional fat depots (visceral fat: 1.68 +/- 0.21 vs. 1.26 +/- 0.18 liters, P < 0.01) using whole-body MRI despite no significant change in body weigh t, body mass index, or the waist-to-hip ratio. Interestingly, no changes in body fat content were found using anthropometry or impedance. There was a significant increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.58 +/- 0.06 vs. 1.66 +/- 0.08 mmol/L P < 0.02) following exercise although there were no changes in other blood lipids such as triglycerides. In summary, moderat e aerobic exercise over a period of 6 mon resulted in a preferential loss i n visceral fat in nonobese healthy women, and this may help to explain some of the health benefits associated with regular and moderate physical activ ity.