Research
Mixed
Fatmax training does not significantly increase maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) compared to other forms of exercise, but it does improve it in sedentary obese individuals.
Fatmax training improves cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) in obese, sedentary individuals, though the gains are modest. It is a safe starting point for those who cannot tolerate high-intensity exercise.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
maximal oxygen consumption increased (MD = 2.96 mL·kg−1·min−1, p < 0.01, I2 = 0%).
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 5 studies with low heterogeneity.
Source
Chronic Effect of Fatmax Training on Body Weight, Fat Mass, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Obese Subjects: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Isaac A. Chávez-Guevara et al. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2020
DOI 10.3390/ijerph17217888
Meta-analysis · 11 studiesCited 33×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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