The Effects of 8 weeks of regular aerobic exercise on the TNF-α levels and lipid profile in obese girls

Childhood obesity is associated with an increased risk for several metabolic and cardiovascular complications, and is now considered as a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. The aim of this study was to invistigate of the effect 8 weeks of regular aerobic exercise on the Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and lipid profile in obese girls.

This semi experimental research, 14 obese girls (mean age 9.9±1.18 year) whose body mass index was 95% or greater were selected and assigned randomly to two equal groups as follow: exercise and control groups. Aerobic exercise was consisted of exercise movements at 50% to 70% maximal heart rate and 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected before and 48 hour after the last intervention. The serum levels of TNF-α, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. Data were analyzed by paired and independent t tests. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Eight weeks of aerobic exercise caused a significant decrease in TNF-α, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C and an increase in HDL-C levels (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the percent changes of these variabls in exercise training group were significantly greater (p < 0.05).

Aerobic exercise as a non-medical therapeutic intervention for obese children can leads to reduced cardiovascular and metabolic diseases risk factors by improving lipid profiles and a reducse in systemic inflammation. Received