This study examined the effect of a 6-week non-instrumental resistance training program using body weight as a load (RT-BW) on body composition, fat distribution and metabolic profiles in middle-aged males. Healthy, nondiabetic, obese volunteers (n=39) were randomly divided into RT-BW (n=22, age=42±8 BMI=25.2±3.2, waist=89.4±8.1) and control (n=17, age=44±7, BMI=26.9±2.9, waist=94.1±7.4) groups. The RT-BW subjects were trained everyday for 6 weeks according to a specified protocol involving a combination of upper and lower body exercises. We evaluated body composition and fat distribution using anthropometry and ultrasonography, and measured serum lipid levels, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c at baseline and after 6 weeks of training. Changes over 6 weeks were significantly greater in the RT-BW group compared with the control group, with a decrease in body weight, BMI, sagittal abdominal diameter, waist circumference, preperitoneal (visceral) fat thickness and subcutaneous fat thickness. Also, there were significantly greater changes of metabolic profiles in the RT-BW group with decreases in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. Relatively shortterm, non-instrumental resistance training using body weight as a load was effective in improving fat distribution and metabolic profiles in obese middle-aged males.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.30/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE