This study determined the effect of a school-based exercise training (ET) without dietary intervention, on body composition, fitness and cardiovascular risk in overweight/obese children. Subjects were 51 overweight/obese 6.5- to 12.5-year-old children, of whom 48 completed the program. Participants were enrolled in a 15-week aerobic training (three 60-minute sessions/week). Working heart rate was between 120-185 beats/minute. Waist circumference, muscle mass, maximal oxygen consumption, systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol improved significantly. Number of children with abdominal obesity, hypertension and elevated triglyceridealso declined significantly over time.
As a result of high attendance and appropriate training program, cardiovascular fitness and abdominal obesity improved in overweight/obese children along with the improvement in metabolic risk factor profile.