The Combined Effect of Resistance Training and Green Tea Supplements on the Lipid Profile and Anthropometric Indices of Overweight and Obese Males

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of obesity has led to an increase in research on obesity and cardiovascular disease and its metabolic risks. Objectives: This research aimed at exploring the combined effect of resistance training and green tea supplements on the lipid profile and anthropometric indices of overweight and obese males in a definite period of time. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 males aged 34 ± 8 with a body mass index (BMI) of 29.88 ± 2.08 Kg.m-2 were randomly assigned to four groups of 15, namely the control group, green tea group, resistance training group, and group combining resistance training with green tea. Resistance training was done three times a week for eight weeks. The green tea supplement was a capsule containing 500 mg of powdered green tea leaves. The subjects were asked to take three capsules a day. The lipid profile comprised of cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Anthropometric indices consisted of the BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and body fat percentage before and after the intervention. In order to analyze the results, descriptive and analytical statistical methods were employed. Results: The combination of resistance training with green tea resulted in a significant reduction in the average body fat percentage, BMI, WHR, and triglyceride and also a significant increase in HDL (P < 0.05) yet had no effect on the average LDL and cholesterol. Conclusions: Combining resistance training with the consumption of green tea supplements for eight weeks can reduce the average of anthropometric indices and some lipid profile blood in overweight and obese males. Therefore, it is recommended for overweight and obese males to take benefit of the positive combined effects of resistance training and green tea to reduce their BMI, WHR, body fat percentage, and blood fats.