PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an exercise program on fat mass (FM), visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) of post-menopausal women. METHODS: A sample of 169 women (56.8 +/- 6.4 years) was randomized into an exercise group (EG, n = 91) and a control group (CG = 78). The first performed 12 months of physical exercise, including step, weight training and flexibility, with three weekly sessions of 60 minutes each. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the corporal composition were evaluated by octopolar InBody 720 bioimpedance and the food record method was considered. The variables modification rates were determined and the comparison of the average values was realized by Student's t-test, with the level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: In absolute terms, the CG increased (p < 0.01) the FM (1.8%) and VFA (3.9 cm2) and worsened muscle condition (-1.06%), with consequences for BMR (-27.9 kcal/day). Differences were found (p < 0.05) between the EG and the CG for delta% FM (-4.2%), delta VFA (-4.00 cm2), delta SM (3.09%), delta SMI (0.03%) and delta BMR (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that exercise attenuated the increase in the levels of total and central adiposity and muscle loss associated with menopause and aging.

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