Effects of low- and high-intensity exercise training on body composition and substrate metabolism in obese adolescents

The objective was to investigate the effects of a 3-week weight-management program including moderate energy restriction and exercise training at 2 intensities [low intensity (LI): 40% and high intensity (HI): 70% maximal oxygen uptake (V’O 2 max)] on body composition, energy expenditure, and fat oxidation rate in severely obese adolescents. Twenty obese adolescents, aged 15–17 yr (body mass index: 37.5 kg/m 2 ; 38.2% fat mass) participated in this study. Before starting (week 0, W0) and at the end of the weight-management period (week 3, W3), body composition was assessed by a multifrequency tetrapolar impedancemeter; basal metabolic rate (BMR), energy expenditure, and substrate oxidation rate during exercise and post-exercise recovery by indirect calorimetry. At W3, body mass and fat mass decreased significantly ( p