Effect of High Intensity Interval Training vs Low Intensity Training on Fat Loss in Patients with Obesity

Nowadays, there are several exercise modalities to lose weight, retain, and or build lean body mass. A widely known training philosophy that has gained increased popularity is high intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT is based on exercising at submaximal or maximal intensity for a brief period then reducing work to minimal intensity for a longer duration in a series of repeated bouts. The benefit of HIIT is to increase fat loss through the scientific principle of EPOC (excess post exercise oxygen consumption). Low intensity training (LIT) also has its benefits in that it is more sustainable but with the caveat of it being longer duration and slower rate of fat loss. The goal of this research study was to elicit the effect of HIIT and LIT on fat mass, lean body mass, total body water and motivation to maintain an exercise regimen. Ultimately it was found that LIT tends to make obese patients lose more body fat and keep them adhered to a program versus HIIT; also, just having obese patients on a weight loss program also produces statistically significant results in body fat reduction