Effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Cinnamon Consumption on Lipid Profile and Serum Resistin in Obese Women

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran.

2 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Islamic Azad University, Kerman, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Resistin is an important adipokine in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate changes in lipid profile, body composition, and serum resistin levels in obese women in response to aerobic interval training and cinnamon consumption. Methods: Twenty-eight obese middle-aged women (age 30.75±3.8 years, BMI ≥ 30-35 kg/m2) were randomized into four groups (n=7): placebo control, cinnamon supplement, HIIT, and Combined (exercise+supplement). The exercise protocol included 2-minute intervals in a session for 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week, with a 5-minute warm-up and cool-down. Cinnamon groups took three 380 mg capsules daily after meals. Fasting blood samples were collected 24 hours before and 48 hours after the intervention. Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used for within-group and between-group comparisons, respectively (P≤0.05). Results: Resistin levels significantly differed between the Combined group and the control (P=0.014) and supplement (P=0.004) groups. HIIT (P=0.009) and Combined (P=0.004) groups showed significant resistin decreases compared to baseline. Also, the combined group had significant decreases in weight (P=0.022) and BMI (P=0.021) compared to control. The Combined group had significant decreases in HDL (P=0.001), LDL (P=0.049), and TG (P=0.043) levels compared to baseline. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) combined with cinnamon consumption effectively reduces resistin levels, weight, BMI, and improves lipid profile parameters (including HDL, LDL, and triglycerides) in obese women. These findings suggest that this combined approach may be beneficial for managing obesity-related metabolic issues.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 May 2025
  • Receive Date: 10 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 02 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 May 2025