The effects of water-based exercises on body composition continue to be controversial. The present study was proposed to assess the impact of pool workouts on weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and the quality of life of sedentary obese older women without dietary intervention. Fifty-five sedentary obese women (mean age 69.5 ± 4.3 years) were selected in this prospective experimental study (2018). Participants were divided randomly into two groups: moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity intermittent training (HIIT). Both pool workouts models included a similar energy expenditure (1500 kcal/week), which were performed three times a week for 60 minutes each time and lasted for three months. The following measurements were carried out pre-and post-study: anthropometry, body composition, REE, and quality of life. The Wilcoxon nonparametric test was applied to compare between groups and times (pre-and post-study). The comparison of pre-and post-study showed significant decreases of body weight (-0.7 kg), BMI (-0.5 kg/m²), fat mass (FM, -0.7 kg), and REE (-81 kcal/day) for the MICT (p ˂ 0.05), and a significant decrease of the only FM (-0.7 kg) for the HIIT (p ˂ 0.05). Regarding the quality of life, decreased pain, social and vitality improvements were significant in the MICT group, but improved vitality and health status in the group of HIIT were significant. Pool workouts without the dietary control revealed a modest influence on the body composition of sedentary obese older women, with better results for MICT. However, the improvement in the quality of life cannot be ignored.

Background/aim: Negative-calorie diets (NCDs) are among the popular dieting guides for weight loss; however, there is still little knowledge about this method. The present study aimed to determine the effects of a NCD supplemented with exercise on weight loss and lipid profile, and to compare its efficiency with low-calorie diets (LCDs) with exercise among elderly adult men with abnormal weight gain. Materials and methods:Participants included sedentary men (aged 45-75 years) who were overweight or obese (n = 37). They were randomly divided into 2 groups: a group with a NCD and exercise, and a group with a LCD with exercise. Of all 37 participants, 30 completed the treatment. Weight assessment parameters, including changes in weight and body composition and blood sample tests, were performed before and 3 months after intervention.Results: All parameters decreased significantly in both groups. Elevation in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (P < 0.001) was different between the 2 groups. The decline in the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio was greater in the LCD than the NCD group. Conclusion:Contrary to expectations, both weight-loss diets were equally efficacious.

Background: A popular dieting guide for the weight loss is the negative-calorie diet; even so, there is still little knowledge about this method. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the effects of negative-calorie diet supplemented with exercise, on the weight loss and lipid profile, and to compare its efficiency with low-calorie diet with exercise among middle-aged overweight women. Patients and Methods:This was a randomized study (the CONSORT statement) carried out at Ukrainian Center of Sports Medicine (Kiev-2012). Participants (n = 66) included sedentary overweight or obese women (age 45-64 years). They were randomly divided into two groups: negative calorie diet with exercise, and low-calorie diet with exercise. Out of all 66 participants, 60 persons completed the study period (three months). The weight parameters, including change in weight and body composition, and blood sample tests were assessed pre-and post-intervention for all subjects and compared to each other. P ˂ 0.05 was considered significant. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (version 19.0 for windows). Results: All parameters changed significantly in both groups. Reduction in total cholesterol (P ˂ 0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (P ˂ 0.05) as well as raising HDL-cholesterol level (P ˂ 0.002) were different between the two groups. Decline of the total cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio was similar in both groups. Conclusions: It seems that the concept of negative-calorie lacks any validity and application. Contrary to expectation, efficacy of both weight-loss diets was the same.

Background/aim: Weight gain is associated with balance disorders. This study intends to evaluate the postural stability in a natural stance in overweight and obese men by measuring the center of pressure (CoP) velocity in the medial-lateral (ML) and anteriorposterior (AP) directions. Materials and methods: A total number of 111 men categorized according to body mass index (BMI) into normal weight, overweight, and obese categories underwent a measurement of quiet standing with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC). Postural stability was assessed using a force platform. The average of CoP velocity was assessed in the two directions. Results: In the AP direction under EO and EC conditions, obese men swayed significantly quicker than men with normal weight. In the ML direction under EO and EC conditions, a higher velocity of CoP was seen in normal weight men than in obese men. Conclusion: The results propose a negative influence of obesity on postural stability in the AP direction. In the ML direction, obese men were more stable than normal weight men, probably caused by enlargement of the base of support in a natural stance.