The effects of diet and strength training in serum lipid concentration amog obese greek children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a low-calorie diet, with or without anaerobic exercise/ weight lifting on the level of blood lipids among obese Greek children. One Hundred obese children participated in a dietetic program for eight weeks. Children were divided in two groups with and without training with emphasis of strength exercise/weight lifting. Body mass index (BMI) was decreased but not significantly. Fat free mass (FFM) increased in both groups, however, the changes in the training group was statistically significant (p 0.05). Percentage fat level was decreased in both groups however, it was statistically significant (p 0.5) only in the training group. The serum total cholesterol was significantly reduced for both groups (p 0.05). Triglyceride levels decreased in the training group not significantly. The ratio of TC: LDL decreased significantly (p 0.05) in the training group. No statistically significant differences were found in the apolipoprotein A1 and B levels in both groups. The results of this study support the positive affects of nutrition and exercise on obesity and lipid profile and the reduction of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in later life