Effect of high-intensity interval training vs. moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese individuals.

Objectives: Our study aims to compare the effects of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on cardiometabolic risk factors and on serum leptin levels in overweight and obese individuals.

Methods: Our quasi-experimental study involved 36 students who were assigned to HIIT, MICT or the control group. Using a bicycle ergometer, participants in the HIIT group performed 25 min of HIIT and those in the MICT group performed 35 min of moderate-intensity continuous exercise for three days a week for 8 weeks. Body composition estimated by bioimpedance analysis, blood lipids and serum leptin were measured pre-exercise and 8 weeks post-exercise.

Results: After 8 weeks of exercise, the participants in the MICT group showed a significant reduction in weight (p<0.01) and body mass index (BMI) (p<0.05). In the HIIT group, although weight reduction was noticed, the difference was not statistically significant compared to the pre-exercise values. In the control group, participants had a significant increase in their weight, BMI, and total body fat (p<0.05). On performing an inter-group comparison of the magnitude of change in body weight and BMI over 8 weeks of exercise, no difference was seen between the HIIT and MICT groups. No difference was observed in body fat indices and levels of random blood glucose, blood lipids and serum leptin pre and 8 weeks post-exercise.

Conclusions: On comparing the change in body weight and BMI over 8 weeks, no significant difference was found between the HIIT and MICT groups. However, HIIT was notably more time efficient.