Relationship between physical exercise and nutritional status

Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are some of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and total mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dosed physical exercise on the nutritional status of recreational athletes. In this study, we included 50 respondents of both sexes between the ages of 18 and 55, who engage in recreational physical exercise, were included in the study. All subjects had their body mass and height measured before the start of exercise and after three months, based on which the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage were determined. The exercise was carried out according to the plan 3 times a week for 75 minutes and combined anaerobic training (45 minutes) and aerobic training (30 minutes). The average body weight of all subjects at the beginning of the study was 81.74 kg, while at the end it was 80.16 kg. The average body weight of men at the end of the study was 1.95 kg less than the initial value, while it was 0.71 kg less for women. There is a statistically significant difference in BMI, waist circumference and fat percentage in the total number of respondents at the beginning and at the end of the study. Regular physical activity and exercise have a positive effect on BMI, waist circumference and body fat percentage, showing the importance of exercise in the prevention of obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases.