The effect of a moderate exercise program on body weight and skinfold thickness in overweight college women

Abstract

Eleven overweight college women agreed to participate in n physical activity program requiring expenditures of approximately 500 kcal per woman per clay, six clays per week for eight weeks. No attempt was made to control diet (diet was ad lib), each subject agreed not to deliberately limit her diet during the study. The exercise program used a walk-jog format. Energy expenditure data obtained on the treadmill were used to plan each woman's exercise program. Treadmill walking was done at 3 mph and running at 5 mph. Daily weight records were maintained and an exercise log was kept. Weekly measurements of 12 skinfolds were made. The overweight women were able to adhere, on a group basis, to the extent of 70% participation in the individually planned programs. During the course of the study body weight and skinfolds decreased significantly. According to calculations based on the loss in body weight and skinfold thickness, total body fat decreased and fat-free weight increased. An apparent discrepancy in caloric balance is discussed.