Effects of Exercise on Cardiac Fat in Women With Obesity: a Pilot Study

Excessive cardiac fat accumulation have been recognized to be associate to increased cardiac
and metabolic risk. More effective treatments are needed to induce changes in cardiac fat
content, body composition, and cardiac fat metabolic activity that result in a reduction in
cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese population. Despite this need, little is known
about which mode, frequency, and duration of exercise will allow for greater reductions in
cardiac fat, improvements in body composition, restoration of a healthy cardiac fat
metabolic activity, and improvement on cardiovascular risk markers. The aim of this study
the effects of exercise in cardiac fat content, cardiac function, physical fitness, and
metabolic activity in obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

- BMI 30-39.99

- White/Caucasian

Exclusion Criteria:

- Known health problems such as cardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic disease will be
excluded.

- Pregnant females.

- Any adults found taking medications that affect endocrine or cardiovascular function
will also be excluded from the study.

- Participants that exercise more than three times per week or strength train more than
twice per week.

- Individuals that have poor venous access or have expressed a fear of needles or
having blood taken will also be excluded.

- Cigarette smoking (current or those who quit within the previous 6 months

- Hypertension

- Diabetics

- MRI exclusion criteria must be observed: must complete a safety checklist that is
designed to identify metal in your body that could pose a hazard during scanning.
Some forms of metal are acceptable (e.g., dental fillings after 1970). Tattoos are
generally not exclusionary, unless they have been inked with metallic dyes. All metal
must be removed from your body. All female subjects, prior to scanning, are required
to complete a pregnancy test. Must NOT be claustrophobic or have a history of
claustrophobia