Continuous training induces greater fat mass reduction in young adults with obesity

Within-day continuity of concurrent training works better than temporally separated training (ST) in reducing fat mass in young adults with obesity, which is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, a study has shown.

A team of investigators randomly allocated 64 young adults with obesity to continuous training (CT; high-intensity functional training immediately followed by aerobic training) or ST (the same exercise volume divided into two sessions approximately 6 h apart). Both groups completed an 8-week intervention.

The investigators then assessed body composition and inflammatory markers before and after training using repeated-measures ANOVA.

Both interventions resulted in significant reductions in body mass, BMI, body fat mass, and body fat percentage over time (p<0.05 for all). Significant time x group interactions were also noted for body mass, BMI, and body fat mass, with greater reductions seen with CT vs ST.

Interleukin (IL)-6 was the only inflammatory factor with a significant interaction effect (p<0.001), which decreased in CT and remained unchanged in ST. Both groups also showed a significant decrease in tumour necrosis factor-α over time, while IL-10 and IL-1β did not show any significant interaction effects.

“An exploratory association with reduced IL-6 was observed but requires confirmation,” according to the investigators.