Effects of Maximal Fat Oxidation Exercise Training for Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on College Students With Obesity

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality among various diseases in China, with both the incidence and mortality rates associated with CVD continuing to rise. Obesity, as a key risk factor for CVD, exacerbates the disease burden. Concurrently, the rates of overweight and obese individuals among Chinese college students have been increasing annually. Maximal fat oxidation (FATmax)-intensity training, which precisely identifies the optimal exercise intensity for fat oxidation, can effectively improve cardiorespiratory function, regulate metabolic levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of FATmax-intensity exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese college students and to explore the associated underlying mechanisms. Methods: A longitudinal single-group pre-post experimental design was adopted, with a 12-week intervention conducted on 24 obese college students. Measurements and comparisons of body composition, biochemical indicators, blood parameters, cardiorespiratory function, oxidative stress-related indicators, and immunoinflammatory cytokines were performed before and after the intervention. Results: < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence that applying FATmax-intensity exercise improves body composition, oxidative stress indicators, immunomodulatory anti-inflammatory function, and reduces cardiovascular disease risk in young obese populations, thereby providing the foundation for further research on the effects of FATmax-intensity exercise on other cardiovascular risk factors and potential mechanisms.