Which exercise interventions are more helpful in treating primary obesity in young adults? A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Network meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise interventions in the treatment of obesity in young people and recommend the most suitable exercise method. Material and methods: We searched five electronic databases for articles on obesity treatment in the youth population from inception to April 2022. The two researchers independently retrieved and screened the articles, carried out a quality assessment and data extraction, and carried out a network meta-analysis in the Bayesian framework in Stata software. Results: A total of 32 original studies were included in the study, all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). High-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best way to reduce the weight of obese people; high-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training may be the best way to reduce BMI and FAT%; moderate-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training may be the best way to reduce the waistline; high-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best way to boost VO2max. Conclusions: Exercise interventions such as high-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training can be considered and promoted as a non-drug treatment for primary obesity in young adults.