INTRODUCTION: Obesity is nowadays a real public health problem with a prevalence of 8% in Benin among adults. The practice of physical activity has a decisive role in its management. But there is little work done in health facilities to this end in Benin.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of adapted physical activities on obese adults in Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi (Benin).

METHOD: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study that included 122 adult obese patients from January to June 2016. Patients were recruited at the University Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (CUMPR) of the Hubert Koutoukou MAGA National Hospital and University Centre (CNHU-HKM) and in public places (stadiums, churches, markets). These were patients who had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 and did not have a contraindication to physical activity. Their fat mass index (FMI) was determined according to the Deurenberg formula. Their waist circumference (TT) was appreciated. A biological evaluation of their lipid status was carried out following a blood sample.  Their physical condition was assessed using the 6-minute walking test and a cyclo ergometer exercise test. All these assessments were repeated at the end of the sessions. Each physical activity session lasted 90 minutes. Each patient had 20 regular sessions at a rate of 3 per week. The Student t-test was used to compare the averages. The Chi-square or File test was used to compare the frequency distribution.

RESULTS: The sample was composed of 122 subjects and was predominantly female (94.26%). Subjects were 23 to 65 years of age with an average of 46.3 ± 9.70 years of age; an average BMI of 37.26 ± 5.04 kg/m2; an average IMG of 47.95 ± 7.56% and an average TT of 106.58 ± 10.02 cm. The program showed a significant difference (P<0.05) for triglycerides, TT and IMG, but BMI, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL did not show significant variations. CONCLUSION: We noted the beneficial effects of physical activity on triglycerides, TT and IMG without significant variation in BMI. We must therefore promote the practice of physical activity in the management of obesity.

SUBVENTION: We did not receive any funding for the study.

ETHICAL COMMITTEE: The study was approved by the CUMPR of the CNHU- HKM of cotonou.

Keywords: Obesity, adapted physical activities, Benin