Circuit Weight Training versus Walking Exercise for Weight Reduction in Obese Female Students

Abstract

Background: Obesity among university students has increased substantially and is associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. Although exercise interventions are recommended for weight management, comparative evidence between circuit-based resistance training and walking exercise in obese female students remains limited.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Circuit Weight Training (CWT) and Walking Exercise (WE) on weight reduction in obese female university students.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest two-group study was conducted among 30 obese female university students aged 18–25 years. Participants were allocated alternately into either the CWT group (n = 15) or the WE group (n = 15). Both groups completed supervised exercise sessions three times weekly for six weeks. Body weight was measured at baseline, week 3, and post-intervention using a calibrated digital scale under standardized conditions. Statistical analyses included Repeated Measures ANOVA, Friedman test, and Independent t-test with p < 0.05. Mean differences, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and effect sizes were reported.
Results: Both interventions significantly reduced body weight (CWT: p < 0.001; WE: p < 0.001). The CWT group demonstrated greater weight reduction than the WE group (7.18 ± 1.26 kg vs 3.99 ± 0.60 kg). Between-group analysis showed a significant mean difference of 3.19 kg (95% CI: 2.45–3.93; p < 0.001) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 3.23). All participants completed the intervention.
Conclusion: Both interventions were effective for weight reduction; however, CWT demonstrated greater effectiveness within the limitations of a quasi-experimental design.