Objective: We aimed to investigate whether combined physical exercise may affect plasma lipid variables, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, and inflammation parameters in adults with obesity.
Methods: Thirty-six participants were recruited to complete the study protocol. The mean age was 37 ± 1 years, and the baseline body mass index was 33.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2. Participants were allocated to the control group (CG) and the exercise group (EG). The EG performed three weekly sessions of combined physical exercise for 16 weeks. Plasma lipid variables, PON1 activity, and inflammatory profile were determined before and after intervention.
Results: Total cholesterol levels decreased in both groups, without intergroup difference (time p = 0.001). Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels decreased in both groups (time p = 0.001); however, they were lower in the EG than in the CG (p = 0.038). The EG had increased HDL-C levels, but the CG had decreased HDL-C levels (time*group p = 0.011). PON1 activity was reduced in both groups (time, p = 0.001). The Castelli risk Index I and II reduced in the EG and increased in the CG (time*group, p = 0.008 and p = 0.011, respectively). The inflammatory markers were not modified.
Conclusion: Adults with obesity may benefit from regular practice of combined physical exercise training in many metabolic aspects that are related to protection against the development of cardiovascular disease.