An interesting question in cardiometabolic risk management posits the possibility of a gender difference in the responsiveness of weight loss to exercise. A meta-analysis of 53 research studies on this topic concluded that men generally respond more favorably than women to the effects of exercise on weight loss (Atkin 2000). One possible explanation involves the gender difference in body fat distribution.
Fat distributed in the upper body and abdominal regions (central fat) shows active lipolysis to sympathetic nervous system stimulation and becomes preferentially mobilized for energy during exercise (Atkin 2000;Wahrenberg 1991). Consequently, the greater upper-body fat distribution in men may contribute to a greater sensitivity to lose fat in the abdominal region with regular exercise.
Women also may more effectively preserve energy balance with increased physical activity (Donnelly 2005;Dunn 1999; Westerterp 1998).
Men often reduce energy intake with exercise training, whereas the depression of food intake with exercise may be less for women.One of the most comprehensive discussions on this topic, including references above) can be reviewed in McArdle, Katch, and Katch's Exercise Physiology: 7th Edition (Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2010) which is the consumate authoritative text on applied exercise science.
See latest posted PDF file on the Ex and Physical Activity "Groups Files" page which is a telling paper by Ed Melanson and Jim Hill (Univ. Colorado) on exercise and fat balance. This is the second paper this group has published in the last severral months reinforcing an important concept in exercise generated fat weight loss. One of the primary reasons why many of us do not loose the weight we expect in response to physical activity programming can be linked to 24-hour energy balance (energy intake/energy expenditure). These researchers (and other similar studies) convincingly demonstrate that in nonfasted individuals (obese or lean) exercise has little effect on daily fat oxidation when 24-hour energy balance is maintained. Energy deficits are required for meaningful weight loss. The primary benefit of exercise training may be preventing additional increases in fat mass or preventing a regain of fat mass. This finding is worth repeatedly reinforcing given the expections of exercise and weight control. It is also worth noting that regular physical activity can substantially reduce cardiometabolic risk with or without weight loss however fat weight loss portends even greater risk reduction.
Check the latest uploaded file on the Exercise Group section which is a report from Paul Coen at Purdue who added resistance and aerobic exercise training to 10 mg of rosuvastin to assess potential increases in CK and added impact on lipids, lipoproteins and oxyLDL. This is one of the few papers demonstrating the value of combining TLC with statin therapy.
