Impact of an Aerobic Training Program Alone or Combined with Nutritional Education on Pro/Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Obese Adolescents

Abstract

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation. Several training modalities are proposed to combat obesity but also to improve the inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical activity combined with nutritional education on pro/inflammatory cytokines in obese adolescents. Methods: In this intervention study, 44 adolescents aged 15 ± 1.38 were selected. Participants were randomly separated into two groups: group 1 (n = 22) who completed the training program and nutrition education; group 2 (n = 22), the training program alone. Anthropometric and physiological measurements were performed. All subjects underwent assessment of inflammatory markers before and after the 12-week training session with measurements of (C-reactive protein) CRP interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α, (TNF-α). Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in body mass (0.78%) waist circumference (4.33%) and fat percentage (4.82%) in group 1 subjects. Those in group 2 also showed a significant difference in waist circumference (1.91%) and fat percentage (0.61%). Significant decreases in serum levels of TNF-α (p < 0.05), IL-6 (p < 0.05) in both groups were observed after the intervention. However, only group 1 showed a decrease in CRP (p = 0.04). Conclusion: This study showed that serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and CRP can be reduced in obese adolescents after 12 weeks of exercise training combined with diet modification. Exercise combined with dietary education is an important therapeutic aspect to increase success in combating the harms of obesity.