Effects of supervised exercise training at the intensity of maximal fat oxidation in overweight young women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of supervised exercise training at the exercise intensity at which the maximal fat oxidation occurred (Fatmax intensity) on body composition and cardiorespiratory function in overweight young women. Fifty sedentary female university students [aged 20–23 years, body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2] were enrolled in the study. The maximal fat oxidation rate was measured using a graded treadmill running test; the average result of the participants was 0.43 ± 0.01 g/minute, which occurred at the exercise intensity of 54.0 ± 4.0% maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and the corresponding heart rate was 134 ± 3 beats per minute. The individualized heart rate at the Fatmax intensity was applied in the exercise training program. The trained individuals decreased their body mass, BMI, fat mass, waist–hip ratio, fasting plasma triglycerides, and total cholesterol concentrations and increased their VO2max and heart rate index in a step test. There were no changes in these variables in the control group. In conclusion, exercise training at the Fatmax intensity is an evidence-informed and safe exercise prescription for overweight young women.