The Effect of Pilates Training on Body Composition, Lipid Profile, and Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels in Inactive Overweight Women

 The increasing prevalence of overweight and related diseases has gained more scientific attention. Overweight and obesity are known as a threat to health, and low serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels is associated with obesity.

 Therefore, we examined the effect of Pilates training on body composition, lipid profile, and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels in inactive overweight women.

 In this clinical study, 28 overweight women were randomly divided into a training group (n = 14) and a control group (n = 14). Pilates training was performed three 60-min sessions during 12 weeks. In two stages, blood samples were collected 48 hours before and after the last protocol exercise training session. During the 12 weeks, the control group had no exercise training. For analyzing within- and between-group changes, paired t-test and ANCOVA with the significant level of P < 0.05 were used, respectively.

 After 12 weeks of Pilates training in the training group compared to the control group, there was a significant decrease in the body mass index (P = 0.005), cholesterol (P = 0.001) and triglyceride (P = 0.001) values, and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (P = 0.005), while high-density lipoprotein (P = 0.028) increased significantly. However, no significant change was observed in low-density lipoprotein levels (P = 0.435).

 According to the results, it can be indicated that 12 weeks of Pilates training have improved serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, changed anthropometry, and lipid profile in inactive overweight women.