Obese women undergoing diet and exercise training have improved neurovascular control

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Weight loss reduces muscle sympathetic nerve activity during mental stress in obese women.

Investigators writing in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research stated, "Since neurovascular control is altered in obese subjects, we hypothesized that weight loss by diet (D) or diet plus exercise training (D + ET) would improve neurovascular control during mental stress in obese women."

"In a study with a dietary reduction of 600 kcal/day with or without exercise training for 4 months, 53 obese women were subdivided in D (N", 33Â±1 years, BMI 34Â±1 kg/m2), D + ET (N", 33Â±1 years, BMI 33Â±1 kg/m2), and nonadherent (NA, N=9, 35Â±2 years, BMI 33Â±1 kg/m2) groups," explained A.C. Tonacio and colleagues of the University of Sao Paulo. "Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was measured by microneurography and forearm blood flow by venous occlusion plethysmography. Mental stress was elicited by a 3-min Stroop color word test."

The scientists reported, "Weight loss was similar between D and D + ET groups (87Â±2 vs 79Â±2 and 85Â±2 vs 76Â±2 kg, respectively, p<0.05) with a significant reduction in MSNA during mental stress (58Â±2 vs 50 Â±2, p=0.0001, and 59Â±3 vs 50Â±2 bursts/100 beats, p=0.0001, respectively), although the magnitude of the response was unchanged. Forearm vascular conductance during mental stress was significantly increased only in D + ET (2.74Â±0.22 vs 3.52Â±0.19 units, p=0.02)."

"Weight loss reduces MSNA during mental stress in obese women. The increase in forearm vascular conductance after weight loss provides convincing evidence for D + ET interventions as a nonpharmacologic therapy of human obesity," the researchers concluded.

Tonacio and colleagues published their study in Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research (Effects of diet and exercise training on neurovascular control during mental stress in obese women. Braz J Med Biol Res, 2006;39(1):53-62).

For additional information, contact C.E. Negrao, Instituto do Coracao, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; E-mail: cndnegrao@incor.usp.br.

Publisher contact information for the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research is: Association Bras Divulg Cientifica, Faculdade Medicina, Sala 21, 14049 Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Keywords: Sao Paulo, Brazil, Diet and Nutrition, Exercise, Microneurography, Neurovascular, Obesity, Physical Fitness, Sympathetic Nervous System, Vasodilation, Weight Loss, Women's Health. This article was prepared by Aging & Elder Health Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Aging & Elder Health Week via NewsRx.com.

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