The Effect of Regular Walking and Alternate Day Fasting on Health-Related Factors in Overweight and Obese Females

Abstract

<strong>Introduction: </strong>Obesity is a complex health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of regular walking with alternate day fasting (ADF) on health-related factors of overweight and obese females.‎ <strong>Methods</strong>: 30 healthy inactive, overweight and obese women were divided randomly into three equal groups. The groups were: control group (BMI: 30.72±4.40 kg/m²); the experimental group I: ADF along with regular walking with 50% to 65% maximal heart rate (BMI: 28.69 ±2.81 kg/m²) and the experimental group II: ADF (BMI: 30.56 ±3.66 kg/m²). Participants were under the diet for six weeks. The diet ADF means that, they had days of fasting and free day (with regular walking), alternately. Two days before and two days after the end of the study, the participants' fasting blood sugar were measured after 12 hours. Resting heart rate, blood pressure and body composition were assessed in the same day. The collected data were analyzed using paired t-test and ANOVA test. <strong>Results: </strong>Body mass index in both experimental groups had significant decrease‎ (P<0.05). Decreasing body fat percent, from pre-test to post test was significant only in the experimental group I (P=0.006). The significant difference was found between groups in this reduction (P<0.05). In the experimental group II, lean body mass showed significant increase and blood glucose showed significant decrease‎ (P<0.05). No significant changes were found in other variables (P>0.05). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>The regular walking program and ADF diet is an effective method for improving body mass index, body fat percentage and blood sugar.