Strength gains in obese females are unaffected by moderate dietary restriction.

This study examined the effects of dietary restriction on strength gains from whole body resistance training. Comparisons were made between diet-restricted (n = 12) and non-diet-restricted (n = 10) obese women (mean +/- SD, 36.7 +/- 7.0% fat) undergoing identical 8-week resistance training regimens. Diet-restricted subjects reduced their dietary intake by 4200 kJ/day and reduced body mass by 3.9 kg over 8 weeks. Ten-repetition maximum masses were compared between the groups on biweekly intervals. Results indicated no differences between the groups with respect to the rate or magnitude of strength gains for any of the eight exercises. Significant pre- to post-test increases in strength (p less than 0.05) were found for all eight exercises. The rate or magnitude of strength gains induced by resistance training does not appear to be affected by moderate dietary restrictions in obese females.