The Effect of Mediterranean Diet and High-Intensity Interval Training on Lipid Profile and HbA1c Level among Overweight and Obese Female Population

Dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance are often associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Based on beneficial effects of Mediterranean Diet (MD) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on cardiovascular risk factors, the present study aimed to assess these effects on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and hemoglobin (Hb) A1C of overweight and obesefemale population. Forty-seven participants, with an average age of 34.43±7.22 years were assigned to four groups of MD, HIIT, MD+HIIT, and a control group. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, MD was without calorie restriction and HIIT exercise was on a cycle ergometer. Lipid profile of TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C, and HbA1C were measured before and after all interventions. HbA1C exhibited a significant decrease in all intervention groups. A significant decrease in total cholesterol was observed in MD+HIIT group. Changes in TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C were not significant in any of the groups. HbA1c was more responsive to MD and HIIT, while lipid profile exhibited greater resistance to any change. Despite non-significant modifications, MD+HIIT had the most favorable effects on LDL-C and TG levels.