Fasted exercise does not improve postprandial lipemia responses to different meals in lean and obese subjects: A crossover, randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Persistent episodes of postprandial hyperlipemia (PPL) and hyperglycemia (PPG) are considered risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and premature death; whereas physical exercise improves lipid profile and glucose tolerance thus decreasing cardiovascular risks. To investigate the effects of low-intensity fasted aerobic exercise on the magnitude of the PPL and PPG responses to meals with different energy content, in normal and obese subjects. The study used a randomized crossover design. Twenty-one male (Lean: n=9, BMI: 24.3±2.2; and obese: n=12, BMI 32.31±2.1) volunteers aged 20-30 years, performed three interventions, separated by 7 days each: (i) 45min at rest and isocaloric high-fat meal (60% lipids, 30% carbohydrates and 10% protein); (ii) fasted low-intensity aerobic exercise (50% VO2max) for 45min followed by an isocaloric or (iii) calorie deficit high-fat meal. Subjects were serially assessed for blood triglycerides, and glucose levels. Low-intensity fasted aerobic exercise had no acute effect on PPL in lean and obese subjects. Glucose concentrations were reduced only in lean subjects. There is a significant difference in PPL values when comparing lean to obese subjects, implying that the nutritional status influences lipid and carbohydrate after fasted low-intensity aerobic exercise. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT00929890.