Effect of high intensity interval training on body fat indicators in adults with overweight or obesity: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies

Objective: To examine the effects of high-intensity interval training on body fat indicators in overweight and obese adults. Methods: Randomized trials were included in the systematic review. Direct measures (e.g. whole-body fat) and indirect measures (e.g. waist circumference) were examined. Results: From 1156 articles initially screened, 24 were included. The majority of studies were conducted, at least, for 10 weeks. High-intensity interval training elicited reductions in whole- body fat indicators. The meta-analytic models showed significant differences after high-intensity interval training intervention among body weight, fat mass and fat percentage. On the other hand, body mass index and waist circumference did not present significant results. Conclusions: High-intensity exercise training can induce body composition improvements in overweight and obese individuals. High-intensity interval training may be a time-efficient component of weight management programs.