Exercise improves the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, a marker of the metabolic syndrome in obese children

Aim: This study was designed to examine the effect of training on components of the metabolic syndrome and ApoB/ApoA-I ratio in obese children. Methods: We studied thirty-two obese children (13.3 +/- 0.4 years) with 16 subjects who participated to 8-week training and 16 subjects serving as a control group. Training was individualized at the point where fat oxidation was maximal (Fat max). In each subject, pre- and postintervention anthropometric measures and biochemical tests on fasting blood were performed. Results: After the programme, the training group showed an increase in VO2peak and fat oxidation during exercise. Body mass index (BMI), blood glucose and triglycerides were reduced, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased. ApoB/ApoA-I ratio decreased significantly (-0.43%, p < 0.01). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure also decreased (-8.4% and -10.9%, respectively). Among the training group, 10 subjects were classified as having the metabolic syndrome before the intervention and none after. No significant changes in any other variables were measured in the control group. Conclusions: Training targeted at Fat max reduces the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors in obese children. In particular, this intervention decreases the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, which may be considered as a marker for following this syndrome.