Effects of Diet, Exercise, and Electrical Muscle Stimulation in Overweight and Obese Women

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effects of diet, exercise, and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on body measurements, blood test results, and appetite in women with overweight or obesity. A total of 75 women aged 19-45 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m² or higher were randomly assigned to one of three groups: diet alone, diet plus exercise, or diet plus EMS. All participants received an individualized energy-restricted diet. Participants in the exercise group also performed at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity walking daily, while participants in the EMS group received abdominal EMS twice per week for six weeks. Body measurements, selected biochemical parameters, and appetite-related measures, including hunger, satiety, and desire to eat, were assessed before and after the six-week intervention. The study aimed to determine whether adding exercise or EMS to an individualized energy-restricted diet provides additional benefits for body composition, metabolic health, and appetite regulation in women with overweight or obesity.