Effect of aerobics on weight and fat mass loss in adult women: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Aerobics (AE) is an attractive type of aerobic exercise and can be considered as an appropriate intervention strategy for weight loss. However, results of clinical trials are not consistent due to high variability in relation to the type of AE and duration of intervention. Objective: The objective was to investigate the effect of AE on weight and fat mass loss in adult women. Methods: Of the total number of 243 studies, the final analysis included seven clinical trials with a pooled sample size of 242 females. Results: Although the results confirmed a significant overall effect on weight loss (-1.97 kg, 95% confidence interval [-3.72, -0.23], p = .03), an effect on fat mass loss was not confirmed (-2.62%, 95% confidence interval [-5.53, 0.29], p = .08). It was further observed that traditional AE and longer interventions have a greater effect on reducing body weight and fat mass compared with aqua AE and interventions shorter than 10 weeks. Conclusions: In conclusion, AE seems to be an effective intervention for weight loss in women, but the type of AE and the duration of the intervention should be considered.

Keywords

• exercise
• weight loss
• adiposity
• obesity