What physical activity to treat metabolic syndrome?
Background: Opinions differ over the type of physical activity that best limits the cardiovascular risk (CVR) resulting from visceral fat accumulation in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Aim: To analyze the effects of physical activity on visceral fat and cardiovascular risk (CVR) in patients suffering from MetS. Methods: 100 adults, aged 50-70y, were randomized to three training groups: moderate endurance and resistance (re), dominant resistance (Re), or dominant endurance (rE). A 1-year at-home follow-up (M12) began with a 3-week residential program (Day 0 to Day 20). We measured the change in central fat and body composition by DXA, MetS parameters, fitness and CVR using the Framingham score and carotid-intima-media-thickness. Compliance was assessed between D20 and M12. Results: 78 participants (78%) completed the study. At D20, central fat loss was highest in Re (-18%, p<.0001) and higher in rE than re (-12% vs. -7%, p<.0001). Likewise, from M3, visceral fat decreased more in Re and rE than in re (p<.05) to reach at M12 a central fat loss of -21.5% (Re) and -21.1% (rE) > -13.0% (re) (p<.001). CVR, MetS parameters and fitness improved in all groups. The main improvements were obtained during the residential program and evolved thereafter depending on compliance. Non-compliers had higher values in most outcomes between M6 and M12 whereas compliers maintained improvement. Central fat loss correlated with changes in MetS parameters. Conclusions: The 3 modalities of physical activity induced central fat loss and improvements in CVR and MetS, but high-intensity-resistance resulted in a faster improvement. A residential program with daily coaching is essential to help patients achieve their aims. Compliance appears to be the main challenge in successful Mets treatment.