Effects of F.E.A.T (Fit, Eat, Active, Training) Physical Activity Module on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Obese Adults

ABSTRACT Introduction: Structured physical activity program with behavioural interventions are shown to be more successful than exercise program alone in improving weight status and cardiometabolic health in obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week F.E.A.T module combining physical activity and behavioural strategies on body composition and cardiometabolic risk factors in adult obesity. Method: 31 overweight/obese adults (BMI: 28.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2) aged 25-59 years underwent intervention, consisting prescribed aerobic and resistance exercise sessions 5d/week for physical activity strategies, while focusing on goal-setting of 10,000 steps/daily, self-monitoring and peer support group as behavioural strategies. Subjects were also encouraged to reduce sedentary behaviour by participating in group exercises, jungle trekking, games and gardening activities. Anthropometric measures such as body weight (Wt), body mass index (BMI) and percentage of body fat (% BF), as well as cardiometabolic risk parameters such as blood pressure (BP), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were obtained at beginning and completion of the intervention. Results: The intervention resulted in significant reductions in Wt (-3.6%, p=0.0001), BMI (-3.8%, p=0.0001), %BF (-4.3%, p=0.0001), WC (-9.9%, p=0.0001), and TC (-5.0 %, p=0.009) after 12-weeks. A reduction in HDL concentrations (-6.6%, p=0.006) was observed, while BP, FBG, TG and LDL values remained unchanged.  Conclusion: The F.E.A.T module combining physical activity and behavioural strategies resulted in favourable improvements in body composition, albeit modest, as well as some reductions in cardiometabolic risks in overweight/obese adult.  Keywords: Physical activity, cardiometabolic risk factors, obesity, adult