Baseline Body Mass Index Influences the Responses to Exercise Training on Quality of Life in Women with Obesity

Purpose: Exercise has been documented as a critical strategy for improving physical and mental health. However, the impact of exercise training (ET) on quality of life (QoL) among obese is controversial. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of a 20-week ET program in women with obesity and the influence of baseline weight status on QoL responses to the ET program.

Methods: This secondary analysis from a quasi-experimental study included 40 obese women (BMI >30 kg/m²) aged between 18 and 65 years old (20 interventions and 20 controls). The intervention group participated in a moderate-to-vigorous intensity ET thrice a week, nutritional guidance, and psychological support. The control group received the same activities of nutritional guidance and psychological support but did not perform the ET. Measurements of QoL (WHOQOL-Bref) were performed at baseline and after 20- week follow-up.

Results: No significant impact of 20-week ET on QoL among obese women was observed. However, greater improvements in physical health, psychological, social relationship, and environment domains were observed for every increase in 1 unit of baseline BMI, except for the overall QoL score.

Conclusions/Recommendation: We can speculate that the better QoL responses to ET among those with higher BMI at baseline may be explained by the fact that individuals with more severe obesity are more impacted by functional limitations, stigmatization, discrimination, and social isolation; therefore, presenting worse QoL.