Effects of Body Composition on the Cardiorespiratory Capacities of Perimenopausal Women Living with Obesity

Introduction: Obesity is a metabolic disease characterized by abnormal fat accumulation. Physical inactivity can contribute to this accumulation of fat, which reduces cardiorespiratory capacity in obese women. The excess weight can impair both cardiometabolic and mechanical functions. The perimenopausal phase is marked by changes that affect women's body composition. Our aim is to identify the effects of body composition on cardio-respiratory capacities of perimenopausal women living with obesity. Material and Methods: Our study concerned patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 Kg/m2). Body composition analysis was carried out by bioelectric impedancemetry. It allowed us to identify the total fat mass (FM) and the lean mass (LM) in Kg and as a percentage. Cardiorespiratory capacities, oxygen consumption rate (VO2max), heart rate max (HRmax) and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) were assessed using an ergocycle, for a maximal exercise test. The correlations between body composition and cardiorespiratory capacities were sought. Results: 51 women, average age 41.12 ± 12 years, BMI = 36.9 ± 5.4 Kg/m2, weight = 93.43 ± 14.9 kg including Fat Mass (FM) 41.3 ± 10 kg. The Heart Rate max (HRmax) was 152 ± 17bmp, the VO2max was 16.5 ± 2.08 ml/Kg/min. Negative and statistically significant correlations were found between VO2max and BMI (r = - 0.49, p = 0.02), FM in % (r = - 0.61, p < 0.01). Likewise, HRmax is inversely correlated (r = - 0.71) with age and in a highly significant manner (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The accumulation of fatty tissue in our series seems to negatively influence cardiorespiratory capacities in perimenopausal women with obesity. Fat mass as a percentage provides better information on the evolution of VO2max. In addition to age, this category of obese seems to present a limitation in effort that must be taken when prescribing an appropriate physical activity.