Objective To establish an effective exercise prescription, the exercise cap
acity of obese subjects was investigated.
Methods In 71 male obese (body mass index: BMI greater than or equal to 26.
4) Japanese, aged 26 - 77 years, the body composition and physical fitness
such as aerobic exercise level, muscle strength and flexibility were determ
ined and compared with those of age- and sex-matched 71 borderline (24.2 le
ss than or equal to BMI < 26.4) and 71 normal Japanese men (19.8 less than
or equal to BMI < 24.2). The relationship between body composition and othe
r parameters was evaluated in obese subjects.
Results In obese subjects, body weight, BMI, body fat percentage, waist hip
ratio, and skinfold thickness were higher than those of borderline and nor
mal subjects. Lower aerobic exercise level and weight bearing index (WBI) w
ere noted in obese subjects. There was a negative correlation between waist
hip ratio and aerobic exercise level (oxygen uptake at ventilatory thresho
ld) (r = -0.509, P < 0.01) and also between waist hip ratio and WBI ( r = -
0.315, P < 0.01).
Conclusions Lower physical fitness is considered to be a general characteri
stic of male obese Japanese, and the accumulation of visceral adipose tissu
e might affect exercise capacity.