Sweat Rate and Electrolyte Composition in Young Women of Varying Body Mass Indices during Moderate Exercise

Abstract

Sweat is a hypotonic fluid excreted by sweat glands to cool the body. There are conflicting reports on whether or not body composition has an effect on thermoregulatory responses especially during exercise. This study was aimed at determining and comparing sweat rate and electrolyte composition in underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5 kg/m2 > BMI < 25 kg/m2), overweight (25kg/m2 < BMI < 30 kg/m2) and obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m2) during moderate exercise. Forty women (19 - 25 years) were used during this study after assessing their health status. They were stratified for BMI with each group having a total of ten women. It was ensured that all the women used in the study were euhydrated before commencing the research. Before sweat collection, the treadmill was calibrated according to the Bruce Treadmill Protocol. Sweat samples were obtained with a sweat suction apparatus from a 120 cm2 circular area marked on the skin of the face and neck, after a 15 minute fast walk...