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Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Normal weight obesity (NWO) is a prevalent public health concern, with a global incidence ranging from 4.5% to 22%. It is significantly associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, heart metabolic disturbances, mental disorders, and overall mortality. Prior research has demonstrated that physical activity interventions are cost-effective strategies. However, there is currently no meta-analysis that specifically targeted the efficacy of exercise interventions for NWO individuals. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of this issue.

METHODS: Randomized controlled trials published before November 2023 were retrieved from databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17.0 software. Literature screening followed the PRISMA 2020 flowchart, with inclusion criteria based on the PICOS principles. Bias risk was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADEpro 3.6 software. Leave-One-Out sensitivity analysis was employed to ensure result robustness, with subgroup analysis exploring the impact of other factors. The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023442906).

RESULTS: Results from seven studies (with 11 data sets) with 240 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The quality of the study ranged from very low to moderate. Compared to the control group, exercise intervention demonstrates a moderate to substantial significant improvement in weight (SMD = -0.42; 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.15; P < 0.001), body mass index (SMD = -0.75; 95% CI: -1.50 to -0.01; P = 0.04), body fat percentage (BF%, SMD = -1.12; 95% CI: -1.90 to -0.34; P = 0.005), and systolic blood pressure (SBP, SMD = -0.60; 95% CI: -1.02 to -0.19; P = 0.004). No changes were observed in diastolic blood pressure (DBP, P = 0.170). Regarding blood lipids, exercise intervention also exhibits a moderately favorable effect on triglycerides (TG, SMD = -0.49; 95% CI: -0.82 to -0.16; P = 0.004), while it does not significantly impact total cholesterol (TC, P = 0.310), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.420), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.419).

CONCLUSION: There is evidence suggesting that exercise intervention has a significant positive impact on body composition and blood lipid levels in NWO women, particularly in terms of BF% and TC. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the effects on whole-body fat mass, lean body mass, visceral fat mass, and subcutaneous fat mass. Further research is warranted to establish consensus in these areas.

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