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Effects of Diet, Exercise, and Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Overweight and Obese Women
Sponsor: Dicle University
Summary
This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of diet, exercise, and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on body measurements, blood test results, and appetite in women with overweight or obesity. A total of 75 women aged 19-45 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or higher were randomly assigned to one of three groups: diet alone, diet plus exercise, or diet plus EMS. All participants received an individualized energy-restricted diet. Participants in the exercise group also performed at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking daily, while participants in the EMS group received abdominal EMS twice per week for six weeks. Body measurements, selected biochemical parameters, and appetite-related measures, including hunger, satiety, and desire to eat, were assessed before and after the six-week intervention. The study aimed to determine whether adding exercise or EMS to an individualized energy-restricted diet provides additional benefits for body composition, metabolic health, and appetite regulation in women with overweight or obesity.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Diet, Exercise, and Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Anthropometric, Biochemical, and Appetite Outcomes in Overweight and Obese Women
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
19 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
75
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2026-05-01
Last Updated
2026-08-21
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Individualized Energy-Restricted Diet
Participants received an individualized energy-restricted diet designed to provide an energy deficit of approximately 500 kcal/day. The diet provided 55-60% of total energy from carbohydrates, 12-15% from protein, and 25-30% from fat, with a target fiber intake of 25-30 g/day. Participants attended weekly follow-up visits throughout the 6-week intervention period.
Moderate-Intensity Walking
Participants were instructed to perform at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking daily throughout the 6-week intervention period. Walking intensity was defined as producing a slight increase in heart rate and breathing while allowing participants to maintain conversation comfortably.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
Localized abdominal electrical muscle stimulation was administered twice weekly on non-consecutive days for 6 weeks, for a total of 12 sessions. Each session lasted approximately 25 minutes. Four surface electrodes were positioned symmetrically on the abdominal region. Stimulation was delivered at 85 Hz with a pulse width of approximately 300-400 μs, and intensity was increased according to individual tolerance to achieve visible and palpable muscle contractions without pain or discomfort.
Locations (1)
Feray ÇAĞIRAN YILMAZ
Kayapınar, Diyarbakır, Turkey (Türkiye)