A Fresh Perspective on Fat-Loss and Body Measurement Techniques: The Effects of Time Restricted Feeding and Exercise on Fat- Oxidation Rates and Commonly Used Fatness Measurements

Currently employed techniques for weight management consist of; extreme caloric deprivation alone or in combination with exercise, exercise alone or medically invasive procedures, all of which have proven not to provide sustainable resolutions (Brownell et. al., 1987; Kramer et. al., 1989). Due to the significance of a growing global obesity epidemic, the need for customized PA and exercise prescriptions which potentially increase fat-oxidation rate (FOR) are critical. To formulate a successful solution, examining both the acute and chronic effects of varying exercise intensities and modalities on FOR alone and in conjunction with healthier eating habits (time-restricted feeding (TRF) will be informative. A growing body of evidence suggests that TRF could be a valuable tool for improving health in the general population due to reports of improving blood lipids (Klempel et al., 2012 & 2013; Varady et al., 2011) and glycaemic control (Barnosky et.al., 2014), reducing circulating insulin (Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010), decreasing blood pressure (Trepanowski & Bloomer, 2010; Tinsley & La Brounty, 2015; Varady & Bhutani, 2009), decreasing inflammatory markers (Farajeh et al., 2012) and reducing fat-mass (FM) even during relatively short durations (8–12 weeks) (Varady & Bhutani, 2009). Currently, little is known about the synergistic effects of TRF supplemented with varying forms of PA on FOR. In order to successfully improve FOR in individuals living with obesity and overweightness, exercise intensity, modality, and duration must be considered for successful weight loss.

This series of investigations examined 1) Validated FOR at rest and during exercise, 2) The acute effects of TRF (12 & 16 hrs) and varying exercise intensities on FOR, 3) The short-term effects of intermittent fasting and continuous steady-state low-moderate intensity exercise on commonly used fatness measurements and FOR in middle-aged women, and 4) The importance of considering Body Mass Index in conjunction with VO2max when evaluating the health and wellness of frontline fire suppression personnel.