Abstract
BackgroundYoung women are under-represented in cardiovascular disease research, with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factor interventions generally targeting older adults. Furthermore, appropriate study designs for young women remain uncertain. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 12 week multi-disciplinary lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in premenopausal women with abdominal obesity.MethodsWomen aged 18–30 y with abdominal obesity [waist circumference (WC) ≥ 80 cm] were randomised to a 12 week lifestyle intervention (n = 26) of physical activity, nutrition education and cognitive behavioural therapy, or a wait-list control group (n = 17). Both groups completed anthropometric, biochemical, nutrition and fitness testing, at pre (0 weeks) and post (12 weeks), with intervention participants completed follow-up testing at 24 weeks.ResultsResults from a linear mixed model showed no between-group differences, other than increased physical activity in the intervention group, at post. In the intervention group alone, positive within-group changes were observed in WC, waist-hip-ratio (WHR), waist-height-ratio (WHtR), resting heart rate, blood pressure, predicted VO2max, and total energy intake. Most changes were maintained at 24 weeks post-intervention. Similar within-group improvements were observed in control participants in WC, WHR, WHtR, and systolic blood pressure but no changes were detected in physical activity and nutrition.ConclusionsCardiometabolic risk factors were decreased as a result of a lifestyle intervention in young women with abdominal obesity. It is difficult to describe observations in the control group without greater understanding of the behaviour of wait-list participants.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12612001017819
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a major health threat to women worldwide [1], placing substantial burden on public health systems
This study aimed to assess the impact of a 12 week multi-disciplinary lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in premenopausal women with abdominal obesity
Similar within-group improvements were observed in control participants in waist circumference (WC), WHR, WHtR, and systolic blood pressure but no changes were detected in physical activity and nutrition
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a major health threat to women worldwide [1], placing substantial burden on public health systems. Most risk factors for CVD, including overweight/obesity and physical inactivity, can be modified through lifestyle interventions [2,3]. The rising prevalence of overweight and obesity is a worldwide concern among young women from developed and developing nations [4]. Sedentary behaviour is increasing in young women [10], with 85% of women aged 18–35 years reporting inactive lifestyles and decreased physical activity [9]. Young women are under-represented in cardiovascular disease research, with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factor interventions generally targeting older adults. This study aimed to assess the impact of a 12 week multi-disciplinary lifestyle intervention on cardiometabolic risk factors in premenopausal women with abdominal obesity
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