Impact of Moderate-Intensity Interval Training on Quality of Life and Self-Efficacy among Obese Adults in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Introduction: Obesity is an escalating public health issue in India, associated with poor quality of life (QoL) and low self-efficacy, both of which hinder sustained lifestyle modification. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has proven benefits but is often too strenuous for obese adults. Moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) may offer a more feasible and culturally acceptable alternative.
Methods: A community-based randomized controlled trial was conducted in Jaipur, Rajasthan, among 60 obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), aged 20–50 years, selected through convenient sampling. Participants were randomized into MIIT (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The MIIT group underwent 12 weeks of supervised training (3 sessions/week, 30–40 minutes), while controls received standard lifestyle advice without structured exercise. QoL was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF (four domains), and self-efficacy was measured with the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES). Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Baseline socio-demographic and clinical variables were comparable across groups (p > 0.05). After 12 weeks, the MIIT group showed significant improvements in physical health (+16.5, p < 0.001) and psychological QoL (+12.4, p < 0.001), whereas social and environmental domains showed modest, non-significant improvements. Self-efficacy scores improved significantly in the MIIT group (+6.2, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (+0.8, p = 0.19). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion: MIIT significantly enhanced QoL and self-efficacy among obese adults, supporting its role as a feasible and effective intervention for obesity management in Indian urban communities.