Lifting weight and aerobic exercise in a gym can help you lose weight. However, calorie intake must also be reduced.
Highlights:
- Overweight and obese people who are unable to do aerobic exercise can hit the gym
- Resistance training can have a positive effect on fat mass, muscle mass and weight loss
- Along with exercise, calorie intake must be reduced to achieve the desired weight loss
Resistance Training for Weight Loss
Lead researcher and PhD student Pedro Lopez said the findings showed resistance training can have a significant effect on fat mass, muscle mass and weight loss.“This paper shows we can use resistance training and achieve meaningful effects with a diet based on caloric reduction. We can reduce body fat percentage, whole-body fat mass, body weight and BMI.
“If you’re comparing the literature, these effects are similar to aerobic exercise with caloric restriction in adults who are overweight or obese.”
Mr. Lopez said it was important people battling obesity had options beyond just aerobic exercise to lose weight.
“This group may be uncomfortable by the prospect of 30 or 40 minutes on a treadmill or a bicycle,” he said.
Unique Benefits
Mr. Lopez said resistance training also catered to other important factors when looking to lose weight, such as building or preserving muscle mass.However, Mr. Lopez stressed the study was not a comparison between aerobic and resistance exercise.
Regardless of which people chose, they would also have to cut down on calories.
“If you want to lose weight, you have to reduce your calorie intake.”
‘Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta-analysis’ was published in the journal Obesity Reviews.
Source-Eurekalert