Association between Exercise-Induced Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Adiposity among Overweight and Obese Youth: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the minimum change in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) required to reduce adiposity (percent body fat) in exercise programs for overweight and obese youth. Studies were identified through a systematic search of five databases. Studies were limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise training (e.g., aerobic, strength, concurrent) that assessed percent body fat and CRF for both exercise and control groups in overweight and obese children and adolescents. A series of meta-regressions were conducted to explore links between change in CRF (maximum oxygen consumption, ml/kg/min) and change in percent body fat. Twenty-three RCTs were included (n = 1790, 59% females). Meta-regression analysis suggested that increases of at least 0.38 mL/kg/min in CRF (p < 0.001) were considered to be a clinically important reduction of percent body fat (−2.30%, 95% confidence interval −3.02 to −1.58; p < 0.001; I2 = 92.2%). Subgroup analysis showed that increases of at least 0.17 mL/kg/min in CRF favored a reduction of percent body fat of −1.62% (95% confidence interval −2.04 to −1.20; p < 0.001; I2 = 69.9%). In conclusion, this change in CRF could be considered by pediatric researchers, youth fitness specialists, and health care providers to determine the effectiveness in body fat reductions through exercise.

Cardiorespiratory fitness and targeted proteomics involved in brain and cardiovascular health in children with overweight/obesity

“…In this regard, differences of 1.75 mL/kg/min of VO 2 peak relative to body mass have been considered relevant from a clinical point of view in adults (Bonafiglia et al, 2021). Importantly, an increase of 0.38 ml/kg/min in VO 2 peak has been considered clinically important for the reduction of body fat percentage (2.30%) in children with OW/OB (García-Hermoso et al, 2020). Thus, the different patterns of protein expression between fit and unfit children may help to understand better the molecular mechanisms relating CRF to health in children with OW/OB.…”

Effect of an Active Video Game Intervention Combined With Multicomponent Exercise for Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children With Overweight and Obesity: Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Among all physical fitness variables, the peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ) shows the strongest inverse relationship with BMI and fat mass or body fat percentage [ 17 ]. Based on the inverse relationship between CRF and body fat [ 18 , 19 ], it seems that the cutoff point for the negative effects of fatness depending on CRF starts above 16%-20% relative body fat content [ 18 ].…”

Perceived Difficulties in Physical Tasks and Physical Fitness in Treatment- and Non-Treatment-Seeking Youths with Obesity

“…Since it is hard for obese youth to engage in physical activity, it is necessary to design physical activity interventions tailored to their abilities in order to favor adherence. Several studies have shown that school-based multicomponent interventions were effective in improving levels of physical activity and eating behavior in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”