Zumba versus Low-Impact Aerobics for Body Fat Reduction in Overweight Female Students: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background: Overweight among female university students is an increasing public health concern associated with unfavorable metabolic profiles and long-term health risks. Aerobic exercise is widely recommended to improve body composition; however, direct comparative evidence between different aerobic exercise modalities remains limited.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Zumba and low-impact aerobic exercise in reducing body fat percentage among overweight female university students.

Methods: This randomized experimental study employed a pretest–posttest two-group design. Twenty-six overweight female students (body mass index 23.0–24.9 kg/m²) were randomly allocated to a Zumba group or a low-impact aerobic exercise group (n=13 per group). Both interventions were conducted three times per week for eight weeks under instructor supervision. Body fat percentage was measured using handheld bioelectrical impedance analysis before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses included paired and independent t-tests with a significance level of 0.05.

Results: Both exercise modalities resulted in significant reductions in body fat percentage after eight weeks (p<0.001). The Zumba group demonstrated a greater mean reduction compared with the low-impact aerobic group (−5.52% vs −3.50%). The between-group mean difference was −2.02% (95% confidence interval: −3.32 to −0.72; p=0.004), indicating a significantly greater effect of Zumba exercise.

Conclusion: Both Zumba and low-impact aerobic exercise were effective in reducing body fat percentage among overweight female university students. However, Zumba produced a significantly greater reduction, suggesting it may be a more effective and engaging aerobic exercise option for improving body composition in this population.