When we think of being overweight or obese, interventions to reduce fat are typically front of mind. But being overweight or obese also reduces the skeletal muscle contractile function, possibly due in part to intramuscular fat decreasing the intrinsic capacity of isolated muscle fibres.

Regardless of its cause, this reduced contractile function causes loss of muscle strength, muscle power and physical function. Resistance training provides a potent stimulus to modify muscle performance and physical function.