The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of different physical activity programs, in combination with a hypocaloric diet, on anthropometric variables and body composition in obese subjects. Ninety-six obese (men: n = 48; women: n = 48; age range 18 to 50 yr) participated in a supervised 22-wk program. They were randomized into four groups: strength training (S; n = 24), endurance training (E; n = 26), combined strength plus endurance training (SE; n = 24), and physical activity recommendations (C; n = 22). In addition, all groups followed the same hypocaloric diet. At baseline and at the end of the intervention, dietetic and physical activity variables were assessed using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric variables were recorded along with body composition variables measured using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry techniques. At the end of the intervention, significant improvements were seen within groups in terms of body weight (S -9.21 +/- 0.83 kg; E -10.55 +/- 0.80 kg; SE -9.88 +/- 0.85 kg; C -8.69 +/- 0.89 kg), and total fat mass (S -5.24 +/- 0.55%; E -5.35 +/- 0.55%; SE -4.85 +/- 0.56%; C -4.89 +/- 0.59%). No differences were seen between groups at this time in terms of any other anthropometric or body composition variables examined. All groups increased their total physical activity in metabolic equivalents (MET) per week during the intervention, but with no difference between groups (S 976 +/- 367 MET-min/wk; E 954 +/- 355 MET-min/wk; SE 1,329 +/- 345 MET-min/wk; C 763 +/- 410 MET-min/wk). This study shows that, when combined with a hypocaloric diet, exercise training and adherence to physical activity recommendations are equally effective at reducing body weight and modifying body composition in the treatment of obesity (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01116856).

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