Thermoregulation and Moderate Intensity Exercising for Overweight Men

Dr. Khaled Khalifa Dougman

Sport Science specialist Abu Dhabi Sports Council, United Arab Emirates

It is known that obese individuals should exercise at low to moderate intensity to oxidize high fat during the active period. Factors such as body composition, resting metabolic rate and gender related to the heat production, are significant in the treatment and prevention of obesity. It’s hypothesized that exercising at moderate intensity, at 30 oC, would have a significant effect on heart rate (HR), energy expenditure, use of body fuel and fat utilization. The aim of this study investigated the physiological response during moderate exercise for 30 minutes for overweight males, in a hot environment (30 oC) and a thermoneutral temperature (18oC). Nine overweight men cycled moderately for 30 minutes at 18oC and 30oC. The results of the study showed no significant difference on the HR, body fuel use (which is expressed by energy expenditure and % fat to carbohydrate) used for overweight individuals during exercise at moderate intensity at the two different temperatures.

Key words Overweight, moderate intensity, body composition, hot temperature, thermoneutral, Environment.