RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHANGES IN MAXIMAL AEROBIC CAPACITY AND METABOLIC PROFILES IN OBESE YOUTHS

by Wellbery, Laura Mary

The increasing prevalence of obesity in youths is linked with the metabolic syndrome which greatly increases disease risk. The present study was done to assess the relationship between changes in aerobic fitness and changes in the metabolic profiles in obese youths after a clinical weight management intervention program. There were favorable changes in weight, VO2max, triglycerides, body composition, fasting insulin, total and LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, weight change was a significant predictor of change in insulin, change in total cholesterol, and change in LDL cholesterol. In a subgroup of African American females, there were favorable changes in body composition and VO2max. In this subgroup, VO2max was a significant predictor of the change in insulin level. The results of the present study suggest that changes in weight and changes in aerobic fitness are related to more favorable metabolic profiles in obese youths.