The effect of a lifestyle intervention on metabolic health in young women

Abstract

With the increasing obesity rates in Western countries, an effective lifestyle inter­vention for fat reduction and metabolic benefits is needed. High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE), Mediterranean eating habits (Mediet), and fish oil (ω-3) consumption positively impact metabolic health and adiposity, although the combined effect has yet to be determined. A 12-week lifestyle intervention on adiposity, insulin resistance, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of young overweight women was administered. Thirty women with a body mass index of 26.6±0.5 kg/m2, blood pressure of 114/66±1.9/1.5 mmHg, and age of 22±0.8 years were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving Mediet advice, daily ω-3 supplementation, and HIIE 3 days/week for 12 weeks or a control group. The group receiving Mediet advice, daily ω-3 supplementation, and HIIE experienced a significant reduction in total body fat mass (P,0.001), abdominal adiposity (P,0.05), waist circumference (P,0.001), systolic blood pressure (P,0.05), fasting plasma insulin (P,0.05), IL-6 (P,0.001), and triglycerides (P,0.05). The greatest decreases in fasting plasma insulin (P,0.05) and IL-6 (P,0.001) occurred by week 6 of the intervention. Significant improvements in eating habits (P,0.05) and aerobic fitness (P,0.001) were also found following the intervention. A multifaceted 12-week lifestyle program comprising a Mediet, ω-3 supplementation, and HIIE induced significant improvements in fat loss, aerobic fitness, and insulin and IL-6 levels, positively influencing metabolic health.