Dynamics of body composition in female students participating in a corrective program

Abstract

Maintaining a normal body weight and composition is a key factor in preventing numerous somatic diseases. Purpose. To monitor changes in body composition among female students participating in a corrective program of intensive physical activity and to evaluate the relationships between basal metabolic rate (BMR), fat mass (FM), muscle mass (MM), and body mass index (BMI). Materials and methods. The study involved 38 healthy female students aged 18–20 years. Changes in body composition resulting from a three-month corrective physical activity program were assessed using bioimpedance analysis. Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean, as well as the median and interquartile range (25th–75th percentiles). Correlation analysis was applied to examine relationships between variables, and multiple regression analysis was used to determine the predictive value of body composition components with respect to BMR. Results. An increase in MM was found to facilitate the long-term maintenance of reduced body weight by increasing BMR. The results of the correlation analysis indicate that adipose tissue is the primary contributor to initial BMI values. However, its gradual reduction is not accompanied by a corresponding decline in metabolic activity because MM serves as the main determinant of BMR. This highlights the importance of preserving or increasing MM to sustain long-term energy balance and prevent the recurrence of excess body weight. Regression analysis further shows that BMR is primarily influenced by fat and MM, while the predictive significance of BMI diminishes when the individual contributions of these components are considered. These findings confirm the key role of skeletal muscle in maintaining energy balance during body recomposition. Conclusions. The obtained data emphasize the importance of incorporating strength and combined training into weight management programs, even for individuals with a normal BMI because maintaining and increasing MM promotes long-term stabilization of energy balance and helps prevent the recurrence of fat accumulation.