Effect of Pilates for 8 Weeks on Cortisol and Lipid Profile in Obese Women

Abstract

Aims: Today, obesity is one of the major health problems of human society. This study aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks Pilates on cortisol and lipid profile in obese women. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 20 non-athletes 40±5year old obese women with BMI higher than 30kg in 2013 in Najaf Abad Isfahan. Samples were divided into Pilates (n=10) and control group (n=10). Pilates Group were performed Pilates exercises 3 times per week for 8 weeks, each session 60 min, while control group just were followed. Lipids, including HDL, LDL, triglycerides before and 48h after 8 weeks were measured. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 and independent and correlational-T test. Findings: 8 week Pilates significantly reduced weight (p=0.02), BMI (p=0.01), cholesterol (p=0.01), LDL (p=0.001) and a significant increase in cortisol in obese women in the exercise group compared with the control group. Conclusion: Pilates, decreases weight and body mass index, cholesterol and LDL and increases cortisol.