Adiposity does not hinder the fitness response to exercise training in obese women

Background. This study examined how sedentary obese (OB) and normal weight (NW) women respond to exercise training; and if fitness levels of the OB an d NW are comparable, in spite of differences in adiposity. Methods. Sedentary On (n=46, 48.5+/-1.5 yrs, BMI=35.9+/-0.8; mean+/-SEM) an d NW (n=43, 48.3+/-1.7 yrs, BMI=21.7+/-0.2) women participated in a 14-week fitness program. Results. There were no group differences in exercise adherence. No changes for either group were found for body weight or composition. Both groups imp roved similarly in aerobic fitness ((V)over dot O-2max), muscular strength (grip strength), muscular endurance (modified push-up), and flexibility (si t and reach). However, since norms for fitness are generally expressed rela tive to body weight (e.g. (V)over dot O-2max, ml.kg(-1).min(-1); grip stren gth ratios), the OB women continued to be classified as unfit after exercis e training, and categorized below the NW women in spite of having absolute scores for (V)over dot O-2max (OB=2.1+/-0.1, NW=1.8+/-0.1 l.min(-1)) and gr ip strength (OB=65.1+/-1.5, NW= 58.6+/-1.5 kg) that were higher than the NW women. Conclusions. The data suggest that OB women respond in a similar manner as NW women to exercise; that weight loss is not necessary for improved fitnes s; and that the OB are not less Bt than the NW, but that low fitness scores for the OB are simply a reflection of the absolute scores being deflated b ecause they are proportioned to body weight.