Effect of resistance training with and without caloric restriction on visceral fat: A systemic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Summary We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the effect of resistance training (RT) with and without caloric restriction (CR) on visceral fat (VF). PubMed and Scopus were searched to identify original articles published through December 2020. Standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were determined, and separate analyses were conducted for RT versus control, and RT plus CR versus CR only. Thirty‐four studies including 38 intervention arms and involving 2285 were included in the meta‐analysis. RT effectively reduced VF [−24 (95% CI −0.34 to −0.13), p < 0.001; I2 = 4.17%, p = 0.40; 24 intervention arms] when compared with control. Based on subgroup analyses, reduction in VF was significant for individual with (p = 0.04) and without (p < 0.001) obesity as well as across medium‐term (p = 0.001) and long‐term (p = 0.002) interventions. Reduction in VF was significant for both middle‐age (p = 0.03) and elderly (p = 0.001) adults but was not significant for pediatric (p = 0.08) participants. However, RT plus CR did not indicate superiority effect on VF [0.23 95% CI −0.04 to 0.51, p = 0.09; I2 = 58.76%, p = 0.003; 14 intervention arms] when compared with CR only. Our results confirm that RT may be effective for reducing VF, but adding RT with CR was not associated with a greater effect for reducing VF.

Resistance training effectiveness on body composition and body weight outcomes in individuals with overweight and obesity across the lifespan: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…In the study of Maillard et al, 11 for example, high‐intensity interval training was associated with a reduction in VAT of ~0.2 SMD in adults with overweight/obesity. Likewise, general aerobic exercise promoted a reduction in VAT of ~0.3 SMD, as observed in the study of Ismail et al 8 A potential explanation for the different findings reported previously, 8–12 and this study could be related to the additional effect derived from combined resistance and aerobic exercise, resulting in a higher effect on VAT and SAT. Therefore, even without a dietary intervention, combined resistance and aerobic exercise can significantly reduce abdominal fat with greater effects than interventions comprising only aerobic exercise modalities, 8,11 previously deemed the most effective modality for reducing overall abdominal fat.…”

“…Consequently, this precludes identifying the potential use of resistance training in individuals with overweight/obesity. Moreover, despite previous systematic reviews investigating exercise and dietary effects on body composition [4][5][6][7] and visceral adipose tissue, [8][9][10][11][12] the specific effects of resistance exercise on fat mass and lean mass have not been investigated in depth in those overweight/obese. For instance, it is not well understood if resistance exercise, alone or combined with other exercise components and dietary interventions, results in meaningful effects on fat mass while maintaining or increasing lean mass in this population.…”

Muscle-Strengthening Exercise Questionnaire (MSEQ): an assessment of concurrent validity and test–retest reliability

“…1 2 In brief, meta-analyses and systematic reviews of controlled clinical exercise studies show that MSE leads to enhanced cardiometabolic, 3 musculoskeletal 4 and mental health, 5 and reductions in visceral fat. 6 Recent data from prospective cohort studies suggest that MSE is independently associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality, 7 8 cardiovascular disease, 9 type 2 diabetes, 10 11 obesity 12 13 and some cancers. 8 Despite its multiple independent health benefits, and the fact that MSE was first included as part of the US physical activity guidelines in 2008, 14 and global guidelines since 2010, 15 in comparison to moderate-tovigorous aerobic physical activity (MVPA: eg, walking, running or cycling) and sedentary behaviour (low energy sitting, reclining or lying posture in waking hours), this exercise modality has received little attention in physical activity epidemiology.…”

“… 1 2 In brief, meta-analyses and systematic reviews of controlled clinical exercise studies show that MSE leads to enhanced cardiometabolic, 3 musculoskeletal 4 and mental health, 5 and reductions in visceral fat. 6 Recent data from prospective cohort studies suggest that MSE is independently associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality, 7 8 cardiovascular disease, 9 type 2 diabetes, 10 11 obesity 12 13 and some cancers. 8 …”

“…Strong scientific evidence demonstrates that regular muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE: including using weight training equipment and machines, resistance bands and doing bodyweight exercises) is linked to optimal health and well-being in adults 1 2. In brief, meta-analyses and systematic reviews of controlled clinical exercise studies show that MSE leads to enhanced cardiometabolic,3 musculoskeletal4 and mental health,5 and reductions in visceral fat 6. Recent data from prospective cohort studies suggest that MSE is independently associated with a reduced risk of all-cause and disease-specific mortality,7 8 cardiovascular disease,9 type 2 diabetes,10 11 obesity12 13 and some cancers 8…”