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Only minor additional metabolic health benefits of high as opposed to moderate dose physical exercise in young, moderately overweight men
Author(s) -
Reichkendler M.H.,
Rosenkilde M.,
Auerbach P.L.,
Agerschou J.,
Nielsen M.B.,
Kjaer A.,
Hoejgaard L.,
Sjödin A.,
Ploug T.,
Stallknecht B.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.20226
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiorespiratory fitness , overweight , insulin resistance , obesity , endocrinology , physical therapy
Objective The dose–response effects of exercise training on insulin sensitivity, metabolic risk, and quality of life were examined. Methods Sixty‐one healthy, sedentary (VO 2 max: 35 ± 5 ml/kg/min), moderately overweight (BMI: 27.9 ± 1.8), young (age: 29 ± 6 years) men were randomized to sedentary living (sedentary control group; n = 18), moderate (moderate dose training group [MOD]: 300 kcal/day, n = 21), or high (high dose training group [HIGH]: 600 kcal/day, n = 22) dose physical exercise for 11 weeks. Results The return rate for post‐intervention testing was 82‐94% across groups. Weekly exercise amounted to 2,004 ± 24 and 3,774 ± 68 kcal, respectively, in MOD and HIGH. Cardiorespiratory fitness increased ( P < 0.001) 18 ± 3% in MOD and 17 ± 3% in HIGH, and fat percentage decreased ( P < 0.001) similarly in both exercise groups (MOD: 32 ± 1 to 29 ± 1%; HIGH: 30 ± 1 to 27 ± 1%). Peripheral insulin sensitivity increased ( P < 0.01) (MOD: 28 ± 7%; HIGH: 36 ± 8%) and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased ( P < 0.05) (MOD: ‐17 ± 7%; HIGH: ‐18 ± 10%). The number of subjects meeting the criteria of the metabolic syndrome decreased by 78% in MOD ( P < 0.01) and by 80% in HIGH ( P < 0.05). General health assessed by questionnaire increased similarly in MOD ( P < 0.05) and HIGH ( P < 0.01). Conclusions Only minor additional health benefits were found when exercising ∼3,800 as opposed to ∼2,000 kcal/week in young moderately overweight men. This finding may have important public health implications.