Physiological and body composition adaptations following a 12-week progressive exercise program in women living with obesity: a case report

Abstract

Exercise-induced physiological adaptations are central to obesity management, particularly by improving body composition (BC) and metabolic efficiency. Progressive exercise programs may help reduce adiposity while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in adults with obesity. However, evidence comparing different delivery formats remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 12-week progressive exercise program on BC parameters in women living with obesity and to compare outcomes between in-person and online delivery formats. This comparative case report investigated the effects of a 12-week progressive exercise program in three adult women with class II obesity. Two participants completed the intervention (in-person or online), while one served as a non-exercising control. Anthropometric measures and BC were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks using standardised procedures and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Both intervention participants achieved approximately 9% weight loss, reducing body mass index from class II to class I obesity. Body fat percentage decreased by 15–17%, alongside increases in FFM (5–8%). Reductions in waist, hip, and thigh circumferences were also observed, with minimal differences between delivery formats. The control participant showed no meaningful changes. The 12-week progressive exercise program appeared to be associated with improvements in BC parameters in the intervention participants. These findings suggest that progressive exercise may be associated with favourable physiological adaptations regardless of delivery format. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.