The Impact of Body Fat Percentage on Cardiorespiratory Fitness among Young Adults in a Medical College of Nepal

Abstract

Cardiorespiratory fitness, reflected by VO2max, indicates the body’s capacity to utilize oxygen during exercise and is influenced by factors such as age, sex, genetics, and body composition. Body adiposity index serves as an estimate of body fat percentage and is inversely associated with aerobic capacity. Considering rising cardiovascular risk among young adults due to lifestyle changes, this study aimed to examine the relationship between body fat percentage and cardiorespiratory fitness. This cross-sectional study included 105 undergraduate students (56 males, 49 females), aged 18–25 years from Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel, Kavre, were selected through convenience sampling. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and hip circumference were recorded. Body mass index and body adiposity index were calculated. VO2max was estimated indirectly using the Queen’s College Step Test protocol. Male participants had a mean±SD VO2max of 45.04 ± 6.53 ml/kg/min and a mean±SD body adiposity index of 24.31 ± 4.21, whereas females showed a mean±SD VO2max of 33.99 ± 3.64 ml/kg/min and a mean±SD body fat percentage of 30.99 ± 5.03. VO2max was significantly higher in males, while body fat percentage was significantly higher in females (p < 0.001). A significant moderate negative correlation was observed between VO2max and body fat percentage (r = −0.522, p <0.001). A significant moderate inverse relationship was observed between VO2max and body fat percentage, indicating that higher adiposity is associated with lower aerobic capacity.