The effects of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in obese adolescent males

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of 12 weeks of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training on the cardiovascular risk factors of obese adolescent men. Methods Thirty-six obese male adolescents (the obese group) and 36 age-matched normal-weight adolescent men (the control group) were recruited. Those in both groups maintained their routine eating habits. The obese group participated in a 12-week combined aerobic exercise and resistance training program. Markers of inflammation, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, vascular endothelium function and body composition were measured before and after the intervention. Results Some in the obese group lost visceral fat mass (VFM) and some gained it. Before the intervention the average levels of serum interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), tumor necrosis factor-α, leptin, insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IRI), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, triglycerides, adiponectin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of the obese group were all significantly higher than those of the control group. After the intervention there had been significant decreases in the average levels of IL-1Ra, IFN-γ-inducible protein 10, insulin and HOMA-IRI, but no significant change in average body weight in the obese group as a whole. The group which lost VFM, however, showed greater improvement in triglycerides and insulin resistance than those who gained. Conclusions Twelve weeks of aerobic exercise combined with resistance training can reduce the inflammatory response and insulin resistance of obese adolescent men. The participants who lost more VFM after exercise improved their lipid profile and insulin sensitivity the most. Key words: Exercise; Obesity; Adolescents; Cardiovascular risk factors; Visceral fat