Is Walking Exercise a Protective Factor for Osteoporosis in Young Obese Women?

Twenty obese (BMI>30) women with an average age of 22.00 ± 1.50 years volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly assigned to exercise (n=10) and control (n=10) groups. Before and after the training program, both groups were evaluated for anthropometric measurements and blood analysis. Bone mass density (BMD) was evaluated by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the hip and spine (L2 – L4). Each walking session was 30 min walking at 50-75% of maximal heart rate, 3 days per week, for 2 months. After 2 months, the exercise group showed no significant effect on BMD at the spine (L2– L4) and hip (p>0.05). However, there was a slightly increase in BMD at both regions, while the control group did not. Also, no change was observed in bloods factors . Percent body fat, fat mass and lean mass changes in response to training were significant in the exercise group (all p=0.000). As a result, it may be suggested that walking programs of longer duration and higher intensity can influence BMD and related factors in obese girls, however to achieve this result, more studies are needed.