Discontinuation of HIIT restores diabesity while retraining increases gut microbiota diversity

Highlights•HIIT detraining led to an increase in body fat and metabolic alterations•Retraining was able to control blood glucose, but not fat loss•Diet has a greater effect on the gut microbiota than HIIT•HIIT and retraining improved gut microbiotaSummaryInvestigations involving high-intensity interval training (HIIT) have proven to be efficient in controlling diabesity. This study aimed to assess the impact of discontinuing HIIT and retraining within the context of diabesity. 75 C57BL6 mice went through 5 stages: baseline, induction of diabesity with Western diet, training, detraining, and retraining (6 weeks each period). Detraining led to elevated adiposity, exacerbated metabolic parameters and intestinal health, and altered gut microbiota composition. Retraining restored blood glucose regulation and enhanced intestinal health yet did not induce fat reduction. While both training and retraining exerted an effect on the composition of the gut microbiota, the impact of diet demonstrates a more substantial potency compared to that of exercise concerning intestinal health and microbiome. These findings may contribute to a broader understanding of diabesity management and introduce perspectives for the use of specific physical training to enhance patient outcomes and intestine health.Graphical abstract