Investigation of Cardiovascular Responses to Aerobic Exercise in Obese University Students


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GÜMÜŞDAĞ H., EGESOY H., ŞAHBUDAK E.

Diabetes & Obesity International Journal, cilt.10, sa.1, ss.296-302, 2025 (Hakemli Dergi)

Özet

Background: Obesity and overweight have been studied for many years. Especially in recent years, studies on the subject have

gained momentum with the increase in obesity prevalence. Regular physical activity is extremely important for the prevention

of overweight and obesity. The most effective and easily sustained exercises according to health risks are aerobic ones. Effective

intensity, duration and frequency characteristics for physical activity in obese individuals are controversial. This study

was conducted to investigate cardiovascular responses to aerobic exercise at moderate intensity in obese university students.

Methods: A total of 26 obese university students (aged 18-24 years) voluntarily participated in the study. Two participants

who did not meet the study criteria were excluded from the study. A total of 24 participants (12 males, 12 females) who met

these criteria were administered a moderate aerobic exercise programme for a total of 6 weeks, 3 training sessions per week.

Then, body weight, height, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist-hip circumference, waist-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure

and diastolic blood pressure values were taken.

Results: It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in the waist and hip circumferences of the participants

(p<0.05). However, it was determined that there was no significant development in body weight, BMI, BMI, systolic

and diastolic blood pressure and waist-hip ratio values (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Aerobic exercises performed at all three exercise intensities had a significant effect on the measured parameters

of obese university students. It is recommended that future studies should apply the exercise protocols used in our study on

large populations and different age groups.

Keywords: Aerobic Exercise; Obesity; Obese Individual; Student; Young Adult