Which exercise interventions are more helpful in treating primary obesity in young adults? A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction Network meta-analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise interventions in the treatment of obesity in young people and recommend the most suitable exercise method. Material and Methods We searched five electronic databases for articles on obesity treatment in the youth population from inception to April 2022. The two researchers independently retrieved and screened the articles, carried out a quality assessment and data extraction, and carried out a network meta-analysis in the Bayesian framework in Stata software. Results A total of 32 original studies were included in the study, all randomized controlled trials (RCTs). High-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best way to reduce the weight of obese people; high-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training may be the best way to reduce BMI and FAT%; moderate-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training may be the best way to reduce the waistline; high-intensity aerobic exercise may be the best way to boost VO2max. Conclusions Exercise interventions such as high-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training can be considered and promoted as a non-drug treatment for primary obesity in young adults.

Keywords

• obesity
• exercise prescription
• young people
• network meta-analysis