The first aim of this study was to examine and compare the physical fitness level among normal weight and obese female university students. The second aim was to investigate the influence of exercise training on some physical fitness factors between these students. Thirty sedentary female medical students from Medical Sciences University of Tehran assigned on two separate groups of normal weight (n=15, BMI=21.58±1.13) or obese (n=15, BMI=28.22 ±5.84).Anthropometric measurements included were: height, weight, age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Physical fitness tests (One mile run for determination of cardiovascular endurance, Bench and leg press for determination of upper and lower limb muscular strength, Sit-up and push-up for determination of abdomen and shoulder muscular endurance and sit and reach test for determination of flexibility. All physical fitness tests were assessed before and after exercise training program. Resting and training heart rate and blood pressure were assessed in pre and post test. Significant differences were found between the means for the obese and normal weight groups for body physical fitness tests (p < .05).There were not significant differences between the means for the obese and normal weight groups for resting and training heart rate and blood pressure (p < .05).In this study, the obese participants had more fat mass compared to the normal weight participants. High BMI had an adverse effect on common everyday functional tasks in female students. Compared to those that are normal weight, individuals with obesity had the greatest impairments in physical function and tended to less accurately depict physical function abilities.
