Using Different Types of Exercise Can Have Varied Effects on Fat Mass and Muscle Mass in Obese Females

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and resistance training on improving body composition in obese women. Materials and methods. This study used a true-experimental pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 33 obese women aged 23.21 ± 1.36 years, with a body mass index of 29.11 ± 3.35 kg/m2, and a body fat percentage of 33.99 ± 2.55 %, were selected from female students in Malang City to be given an aerobic training (Aerobic) and resistance training (Resistance) intervention program for 8 weeks. Baseline (pre) and week 8 (post) body composition assessments were performed using the Body composition analyzer LN-GS6.5C. Statistical analysis was applied using the Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA, followed by LSD post-hoc test, with a significance level of 5 %. Results. The results showed that delta (∆) body weight, body mass index, body fat, and body fat percentage were found to have experienced a significant reduction, while skeletal muscle mass increased substantially after undergoing aerobic training and resistance training intervention programs compared to baseline (pre) (p < 0.05). Aerobic training was found to be more effective in reducing body fat, while resistance training was effective in increasing skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.05). Conclusions. These findings indicate that both training models have different effects on reducing body fat and increasing skeletal muscle mass in obese women.