Effect of high-intensity interval training and pre-meal water consumption on lipid profile in overweight and obese students

Obesity and overweight in adolescents and adults are associated with chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of high-intensity interval training and pre-meal water intake on the lipid profile of overweight and obese students. Methods: This was a pre-post experimental study. Twenty-seven overweight and obese students (mean BMI 26.0±3.1 kg/m2 and mean age 19.7±0.7 years) were divided randomly into three groups. The first group (n=9; BMI=26.6±3.6 kg/m2) received Plain Water Intake (PWI) intervention, whereby students received three bottles of plain water (600 mL) per mealtime (total 1.8 L/ day) and consumed ad libitum 30 to 45 minutes before mealtime (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The second group (n=9; BMI=25.9±2.4 kg/m2) received High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) intervention and underwent three exercise sessions per week (18 minutes/day; 70–85% of HRmax) that was introduced through a video recording. The last group (n=9; BMI= 25.7±3.4 kg/m2) received a combination of PWI+HIIT intervention. Nutritional status, nutrient intake, and lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)] were assessed before and after the interventions. Data were analysed using paired sample t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The PWI group showed a significant increase in HDL-C, while the HIIT group showed a significant reduction in TC (p<0.05). On the other hand, the PWI+HIIT group showed significant improvements in lipid profile (TC, TG and HDL-C) (p<0.05). Conclusion: A combination of PWI+HIIT intervention may be effective in improving lipid profile.