The effect of high intensity interval training on body composition, metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in adolescents with obesity

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effects of 12-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition, metabolic hormones, insulin resistance, lipid profile, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers in adolescents with obesity. Thirty-two (female = 19; male = 13) adolescent volunteers with obesity were divided into two groups: training and control. Participants underwent health checks with resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure monitoring. Anthropometric measurements, body composition components, and biochemical tests were performed in pre and post-tests of all participants. Serum fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high and low-density lipoproteins, leptin, adiponectin, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), hs-CRP, TNF-alpha, IL-6, prooxidant, and antioxidant parameters were analyzed biochemically. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. The training group participated in a HIIT program for 12 weeks, 3 days a week, for a total of 36 sessions, after 3 weeks of pre-adaptation studies. Heart rate was monitored with a heart rate monitor. The control group was not included in any exercise program during this period. The mean age of the adolescents with obesity included in the study was 15.28 ± 2.93 years and Body Mass Index (BMI) was 33.21 ± 4.98 kg/m2. Group, sex, and time interaction effects showed that HOMA-IR and triglyceride levels had reduced in the HIIT group (p < 0.001). The group-time interaction effect was observed in the parameters related to body composition, metabolism, inflammation, and pro-oxidant status (p < 0.05). BMI, waist and hip circumferences, body fat (%), insulin, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, triglyceride, and leptin were decreased in the HIIT group (p < 0.05). While lean mass, muscle mass, body water and adiponectin were increased in the HIIT intervention group (p < 0.05). The inflammation parameters (hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6), and pro-oxidant indicator Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) were decreased in the HIIT group. A 12-week HIIT program in adolescents with obesity has positive effects on body composition, metabolic parameters, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers. These benefits may contribute to healthy growth and developmental processes. HIIT represents a time-efficient, practical, and effective strategy to mitigate obesity-related metabolic and inflammatory disturbances while strengthening antioxidant defenses.