Effect of physical exercise on the body morphology of obese females

The aim of present study is to evaluate the impact of physical exercise on body morphology of obese female as assessed by anthropometric measures of weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio (WHR) along with assessment of blood lipid levels. Hundred females of 30–40 years of age were selected and grouped in two categories of 50 each; control group and experimental group on the basis of blood lipid levels. Both the groups were subjected to controlled and similar physical exercise regimen for a period of three months. The anthropometric measures and blood lipid levels were assessed pre and post exercise. In control group (group 1), before exercise the WHR was observed to be from 0.7 to 0.8 while after exercise there was no significant fall in WHR, however there was a significant reduction in weight and BMI. On the other hand, in experimental group (group 2), in 42 females (before exercise) the WHR was >0.8 while in 8 females it ranged from 0.7 to 0.8. While after exercise there was a significant fall in weight, BMI along with WHR in these females. The above changes in experimental group were associated with significant fall in blood lipid levels except HDL. It was concluded that the measurement of WHR is a significant indicator of regional body fat distribution. It was also concluded that independent of the general BMI levels the higher values of WHR are suggestive of adverse blood lipid levels in an individual. A guided physical exercise schedule even for a short period of 3 months can cause decrease in WHR and reversal of body morphology and reduction in total cholesterol, TGL, LDL and an elevation in HDL levels.