Effect of high-intensity interval training and pre-meal water consumption on lipid profile in overweight and obese students

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity and overweight in adolescents and adults are associated with chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training and pre-meal water intake on the lipid profile of overweight and obese students. Methods: This was a pre-post experimental study. Twenty-seven overweight and obese students (mean BMI 26.0±3.1 kg/m2 and mean age 19.7±0.7 years) were divided randomly into three groups. The first group (n=9; BMI=26.6±3.6 kg/m2) received Plain Water Intake (PWI) intervention, whereby students received three bottles of plain water (600 mL) per mealtime (total 1.8 L/ day) and consumed ad libitum 30 to 45 minutes before mealtime (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The second group (n=9; BMI=25.9±2.4 kg/m2) received High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) intervention and underwent three exercise sessions per week (18 minutes/day; 70–85% of HRmax) that was introduced through a video recording. The last group (n=9; BMI= 25.7±3.4 kg/m2) received a combination of PWI+HIIT intervention. Nutritional status, nutrient intake, and lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] were assessed before and after the interventions. Data were analysed using paired sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The PWI group showed a significant increase in HDL-C, while the HIIT group showed a significant reduction in TC (p<0.05). On the other hand, the PWI+HIIT group showed significant improvements in lipid profile (TC, TG and HDL-C) (p<0.05). Conclusion: A combination of PWI+HIIT intervention may be effective in improving lipid profile.