Effect of Pilates versus Aerobic Exercises on Anthropometric Measurements in Anemic Obese Women

Background: Obesity represents a chronic condition defined by an excess of adipose tissue. Obesity causes physiological disturbances, structural abnormalities, and functional disorders, increases other chronic diseases risk and raised early mortality, and has a negative influence on life quality. Increased BMI constitutes a significant predictor of mortality. Physical exercise, when combined with a proper diet, can significantly impact weight reduction and management. Objective: We aim to compare the impacts of Pilates and aerobic exercise on anthropometric measurements in anemic obese women. Methods: Ninety anemic obese premenopausal women with a Hemoglobin level range of 9–11g/dL were equally divided at random into three groups: Group (A) received Pilates exercise along with a low-calorie diet rich in iron and iron supplement (feroglobin); Group (B) received aerobic exercises furthermore a low-calorie diet rich in iron and iron supplement (feroglobin). Group (C), the control group, received only an iron supplement (feroglobin) and a low-calorie diet rich in iron. We assessed measures of weight, height, BMI, waist circumference (WC), and waist-height ratio (WHrT).Results: We revealed a statistically significant decrease (P < 0.05) in weight, BMI, WC, and WHrT. However, higher improvement in WC and WHrT was observed in the Pilates exercise group (A), followed by the aerobic exercise group (B), and then the control group (C). Conclusion: Twelve weeks of training with Pilates exercise or aerobic training interventions are more effective in reducing anthropometric measurements in obese females than diet, but Pilates training is more effective in body composition in comparison with aerobic training.