Caloric restriction plus exercise is more likely than caloric restriction alone to improve metabolic syndrome in obese young adults

BACKGROUND: Obese young individuals are at risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MS), hence heightening their vulnerability to non-communicable diseases. Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity have been well-established for good management. This study sought to compare the effectiveness of a dietary program alone versus a dietary program associated with aerobic-plus resistance training in improving the overall level of MS, as measured by a calculated score, as well as the various components of MS, body weight, and body composition in participants with MS.METHODS: Twenty-five participants aged 19-24 completed a dietary program (DG; N.=11) or a training program with diet and exercise (D + EG; N.=14). Pre- and post-response measures were performed.RESULTS: Waist circumference (WC; P=0.008), Body Mass Index (BMI; P=0.049), and percentage body fat (PBF; P=0.001) were significantly improved in D + EG, while DG showed significant improvements in weight (P=0.05), BMI (P=0.015) and PBF (P=0.004). Weight and BMI were more strongly affected by DG, while D + EG had a greater effect on WC, PBF, and waist-hip ratio. DG showed no significant changes in the overall MS score or its components. However, combining aerobic and resistance exercise with the dietary program reduced the overall MS score (P=0.028) and improved systolic blood pressure and LDL-C levels.CONCLUSIONS: Caloric restriction plus combined aerobic and resistance training interventions are more likely to reduce MS than caloric restriction alone.