The influence of high‐intensity interval training on anthropometric variables of adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis

Abstract

Summary Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the influence of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) on anthropometric variables in adults afflicted with overweight or obesity and to compare the effects with those of moderate‐intensity continuous training. Methods A computer literature search was performed for HIIT intervention studies that evaluated anthropometric variables in adults afflicted with overweight or obesity. Results Of the 857 articles retrieved in the electronic search, 48 met the inclusion criteria. The analyses demonstrated that HIIT was effective in decreasing body mass (−1.45 kg [95% CI: −1.85 to −1.05 kg]), body mass index (−0.44 kg m−2 [95% CI: −0.59 to −0.30 kg m−2]), waist circumference (−2.3 cm [95% CI: −3.1 to −1.4 cm]), waist/hip ratio (−0.01 [95% CI: −0.02 to −0.00]), body fat percentage (−1.29% [95% CI: −1.70% to −0.87%]) and abdominal visceral fat area (−6.83 cm2 [95% CI: −11.95 to −1.71 cm2]). When considering equalization between the two methods (energy expenditure or workload matched), no differences were found in any measure except body mass (for which HIIT was superior). Conclusions High‐intensity interval training and moderate‐intensity continuous training results were similar, particularly when equalization between the two methods was considered. Thus, HIIT can be used as a secondary method for the treatment of obesity in adults.

Weight loss effects of circuit training interventions: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Another network meta‐analysis demonstrated that compared with resistance exercise programs, aerobic exercise programs (−1.15 kg, 95% CI 22.23 to 20.07) and combined aerobic and resistance exercise programs are more effective in reducing BW (−2.03 kg, 95% CI 22.94 to 21.12) in adults with overweight and obesity . In addition, a recent meta‐analysis demonstrated that high‐intensity interval training is effective in reducing BW (−1.45 kg, 95% CI −1.85 to −1.05) and BMI (−0.44 kg/m 2 , 95% CI −0.59 to −0.30) in adults with overweight and obesity . Therefore, although direct comparisons are difficult, at least circuit training affords a weight loss effect similar to those afforded by other types of exercise.…”

“…A recent meta‐analysis of high‐intensity interval training showed that younger individuals lost more BW than older individuals. In addition, an even further reduction in BW was observed with an increase in the number of sessions of high‐intensity interval training . However, another meta‐analysis of general aerobic and resistance training showed that the inclusion of individuals aged 50 years and older had a slightly more significant effect than the inclusion of individuals aged under 50 years .…”

Exercise training‐induced visceral fat loss in obese women: The role of training intensity and modality

“…Increasing evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications with exercise intervention are a predominant non-pharmacological strategy for attenuating excessive visceral fat deposition and related complications in people with obesity. 5,6 This is mainly because the extent of lipolysis in visceral adipose tissues in response to the increased metabolic demand is greater in comparison with that of subcutaneous fat, 7 partly attributable to the higher activity of lipolytic hormones and lower activity of anti-lipolytic counterparts in the visceral adipocytes. 8 Based on the assumption that lipolytic hormones and their activities increase with exercise intensity, 9,10 the regional differences in the abdominal fat metabolism have led to the postulation that an intervention composed of high-intensity exercise would facilitate the reduction of visceral fat.…”

High‐intensity interval training: Methodological caution to minimize risks of bias

“…Furthermore, these values of effort intensities are below the most recurrent indications for characterization of HIIT, which is at least 90% VO 2max for healthy subjects, 12 or at least 80% VO 2max (≥85% HR max ) for clinical populations. 13,14 In conclusion, we hope that the points raised in this letter are taken into account in future investigations involving HIIT, as well as contributing to the advancement in this recent field of research. We acknowledge the effort and again congratulate the authors for the manuscript, which offers contributions to a better understanding of the effects of HIIT in individuals with metabolic disorders.…”