Exercise-induced Changes in Central Adiposity During an RCT: Effect of Exercise Dose and Associations With Compensation

Abstract

Abstract Context Exercise can decrease central adiposity, but the effect of exercise dose and the relationship between central adiposity and exercise-induced compensation is unclear. Objective Test the effect of exercise dose on central adiposity change and the association between central adiposity and exercise-induced weight compensation. Methods In this ancillary analysis of a 6-month randomized controlled trial, 170 participants with overweight or obesity (mean ± SD body mass index: 31.5 ± 4.7 kg/m2) were randomized to a control group or exercise groups that reflected exercise recommendations for health (8 kcal/kg/week [KKW]) or weight loss and weight maintenance (20 KKW). Waist circumference was measured, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry assessed central adiposity. Predicted weight change was estimated and weight compensation (weight change – predicted weight change) was calculated. Results Between-group change in waist circumference (control: .0 cm [95% CI, −1.0 to 1.0], 8 KKW: −.7 cm [95% CI, −1.7 to .4], 20 KKW: −1.3 cm [95% CI, −2.4 to −.2]) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT; control: −.02 kg [95% CI, −.07 to .04], 8 KKW: −.01 kg [95% CI, −.07 to .04], 20 KKW: −.04 kg [95% CI, −.10 to .02]) was similar (P ≥ .23). Most exercisers (82.6%) compensated (weight loss less than expected). Exercisers who compensated exhibited a 2.5-cm (95% CI, .8 to 4.2) and .23-kg (95% CI, .14 to .31) increase in waist circumference and VAT, respectively, vs those who did not (P < .01). Desire to eat predicted VAT change during exercise (β = .21; P = .03). Conclusion In the presence of significant weight compensation, exercise at doses recommended for health and weight loss and weight maintenance leads to negligible changes in central adiposity.