Obesity is a significant public health issue that affects people of all ages, but it is especially problematic for older adults. As people age, their bodies undergo many changes, including body composition and physical and metabolic function. Obesity exacerbates these changes, leading to a wide range of health problems. In particular, obesity is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions.
Despite the many benefits of exercise for people with obesity, it is unclear which type of exercise is most effective in mitigating the deleterious effects of obesity in older adults. To address this question, researchers conducted a randomized controlled trial in which they compared the effectiveness of three different exercise modes: aerobic exercise (AEX), resistance exercise (REX), or a combination of the two (COMB). The study involved 160 obese older adults who were put on a diet to lose about 10% of their body weight.
Aerobic training, also known as cardiovascular or cardio training, involves using large muscle groups in a repetitive motion, typically for an extended period, to increase heart rate and breathing. Aerobic exercise includes brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and dancing.
Resistance training, also known as strength or weight training, involves using resistance, such as weights or resistance bands, to build and strengthen muscles. Examples of resistance training exercises include weightlifting, squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups.