? 2021 Elsevier Masson SASAims: The world is facing a significant crisis related to physical inactivity and obesity. These growing public health burdens demand the development of innovation both in terms of health initiatives and products aimed at stabilizing and reversing the negative trends reported in epidemiological literature. Wearable weights have been developed to address this issue but research to date has not tested the efficacy of these products. Methods: Seventeen (11 female, 6 male, mean age = 24 years, mean BMI = 25, mean VO2 = 43 ml/kg/min) healthy and physically active volunteers completed trials of treadmill exercise at slow and brisk walking speeds with varied combinations of upper and lower body wearable weights (no weights, arm weights, leg weights, and arm plus leg weights). Primary variables of interest included heart rate, oxygen consumption, and perceived exertion. Results: Data were analyzed using ANOVA and pairwise comparisons. Analyses indicated that oxygen consumption increased significantly when weights were worn (P 0.05 for most comparisons). The magnitude of increased energy expenditure was approximately 10. Conclusion: Findings suggest exercising at low and moderate intensities while wearing weights that can be concealed under clothing may be an effective strategy for increasing energy expenditure and weight management.
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