Effect of Water Aerobics on Body Mass Index, Lipid Profile, and AtherogenicFactors of Middle-aged Obese Women

Obesity is one of the chronic diseases that is associated with metabolic disorderssuch as dyslipidemia. This study aims to determine the effect of a Aerobic Aquatic Trainingon bodymass index (BMI), lipid profile, and atherogenic factors in middle-aged obese women.

In the present quasi-experimental study, 30 middle-aged women with a BMIgreater than 30 kg/m2 were randomly divided into two groups of exercise and control. Exercise programincluded six weeks of water aerobics at an intensity of 50-65% of the maximum heart rate (two sessionsper week). Assessments were done during fasting 48 hours before and 48 after the exercise. Dependentt-test and analysis of covariance were used for statistical analysis.

After the exercise period, a significant decrease in triglyceride (P=0.018) and the ratios of LDL toHDL (P<0.001) and total cholesterol to HDL (P<0.001) was reported as well as a significant increase inHDL, compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in BMI (P=0.098),total cholesterol (P=0.318), and LDL (P=0.634).

Six weeks of water aerobics can improve lipid profile and reduces atherogenic factors inobese women without a significant effect on BMI.