Effect of exercise training at different intensities on fat metabolism of obese men

The present study investigated the effect of exercise training at different intensities on fat oxidation in obese men. Twenty-four healthy male obese subjects were randomly divided in either a low- 40% maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2 max)) or high-intensity exercise training program (70% VO(2 max)) for 12 wk, or a non-exercising control group. Before and after the intervention, measurements of fat metabolism at rest and during exercise were performed by using indirect calorimetry, U-(13)Cpalmitate, and 1,2-(13)Cacetate. Furthermore, body composition and maximal aerobic capacity were measured. Total fat oxidation did not change at rest in any group. During exercise, after low-intensity exercise training, fat oxidation was increased by 40% (P < 0.05) because of an increased non-plasma fatty acid oxidation (P < 0.05). High-intensity exercise training did not affect total fat oxidation during exercise. Changes in fat oxidation were not significantly different among groups. It was concluded that low-intensity exercise training in obese subjects seemed to increase fat oxidation during exercise but not at rest. No effect of high-intensity exercise training on fat oxidation could be shown.