Effect of Physical Training and Its Cessation on Percent Fat and Bone Density of Children with Obesity

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Abstract
GUTIN, BERNARD, SCOTT OWENS, TOMOKI OKUYAMA, SHARON RIGGS, MICHAEL FERGUSON, AND MARK LITAKER. Effect of physical training and its cessation on percent fat and bone density of children with obesity. Obes Res. Objective We determined the effect of 4‐month periods of physical training (PT) and detraining on percent fat (percent fat) and bone density of children with obesity. Research Methods and Procedures Subjects were 79 7‐ to 11‐year‐old children with obesity; 34 were white, 44 were black, and 1 was Asian, 26 were male and 53 were female. They were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 engaged in PT for the first 4 months, while group 2 engaged in PT during the second 4 months. Body composition was measured with dual energy absorptiometry, and diet was measured with 4 days of recall for each 4‐month period. PT was offered 5 dayslweek for 40 minuteslsession, heart rate monitors were worn, and no dietary information was given; mean attendance was 80%, and mean heart rate per session was 157 bpm. Results Group by time interactions across the three time‐points (from analysis of variance) were significant for percent fat (p = p = 0.045). Both groups declined in percent fat during the periods of PT, by an average of 1.6 %fat units; in the 4 months after cessation of PT, group 1 increased by 1.3 %fat. In both groups, bone density increased more during periods of PT (0.025 g/cm2) than during periods of no PT (0.010 g/cm2). No significant PT vs. no‐PT differences were found for dietary intake of energy, macronutrients, or calcium. Discussion This study suggests that regular exercise, without dietary intervention, can enhance the body composition of children with obesity.