Metabolic response to 6-week aerobic exercise training and dieting in previously sedentary overweight and obese pre-menopausal women: A randomized trial

摘要

Background The aim of this study was to compare 6 weeks short-term moderate intensity aerobic exercise and dieting on serum metabolomics and cardio-metabolic risk factors in pre-menopausal women. Methods Ninety previously inactive overweight and obese (BMI 25–35?kg/m 2 ) women (age 41.5?±?7.6 years) were randomized to either a 6-week Nordic walking exercise program (EX, n ?=?45) or dietary counseling group (DI, n ?=?45). Body composition, serum glucose, insulin and lipids were measured. Serum low-molecular-weight metabolites and lipid constituents were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Measurements were done at baseline and 7 days after the last training session. Results Six weeks aerobic exercise program yielded reductions in serum free fatty acids (?34.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI), ?50 to ?18, p ??0.001), glucose (?9.6%, 95%CI, ?15 to ?4, p ??0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (?28.7%, 95%CI, ?48 to ?10, p ?=?0.005) without changes in body weight or fat mass. Diet counseling resulted in loss of body weight (1.5%, 95%CI, ?2.3 to ?0.7, p ?=?0.001) but no changes in free fatty acids, fasting glucose, or HOMA-IR were found. Conclusion Our results indicate that small weight loss does not produce measurable health benefits, whereas short-term regular aerobic exercise can improve glucose and lipid metabolism even in the absence of weight loss in previously sedentary overweight and obese women.