The Improvement of Maximal Fat Oxidation Intensity on Body Composition, Cardiopulmonary Function, and Lipid Metabolism in Overweight or Obese Individuals: a Meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Research has linked the physical constitution of overweight/obese individuals to obesity, with a potential bidirectional association. Although FATmax exercise can boost their fitness, the exact magnitude of this benefit needs further study. Objective Systematic evaluation is needed to assess the impact of FATmax exercise on physical fitness indicators among overweight or obese populations. Methods Retrieve RCTs from PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data (January 2001 to January 2024) on FATmax exercise effects on body composition, cardiovascular endurance, lipid metabolism in overweight/obese patients. Evaluate quality with Cochrane tool, Meta-analysis with RevMan 5.4. Results A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were included, including 568 overweight or obese patients. The Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the control group, the FATmax exercise intervention group significantly improved body composition (BMI: WMD=-1.82, P<0.01; BFR: WMD=-2.86, P<0.01; WHR: WMD=-0.04, P<0.01), cardiovascular endurance (VO2max: WMD=3.34, P<0.01), and lipid metabolism except for TC (TG: WMD=-0.24, P<0.01; HDL-C: WMD=0.14, P<0.01; LDL-C: WMD=-0.27, P<0.01). Optimal results vary: ≥12 weeks, 3-5 times/week, 60-minute running for body composition; ≥12 weeks, 5 times/week, <60 minutes combined for VO2max; ≥12 weeks, 3 times/week, 60-minute running for TG; <12 weeks, 4 times/week, 60-minute combined for HDL-C; <12 weeks, 4 times/week, >60-minute combined for LDL-C. Conclusion FATmax exercise benefits body composition, cardiovascular endurance, and lipid metabolism (except TC) in overweight/obese patients.

Keywords

• maximum fat oxidation intensity|overweight|obesity|body composition|cardiopulmonary endurance|blood fat