19 February 2024 | Tomasz Chomiuk, Natalia Niezgoda*, Artur Mamcarz and Daniel Śliż
The article "Physical Activity in Metabolic Syndrome" by Chomiuk et al. (2024) reviews the impact of physical activity (PA) on various components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and provides recommendations for different types of PA in patients with MetS. MetS is a significant public health issue characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and impaired glucose metabolism. The authors highlight the complex pathogenic mechanisms underlying MetS, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. They emphasize the importance of PA in modifying these components, particularly through aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT).
**Key Findings:**
- **Aerobic Training:** AT is effective in reducing body weight, visceral fat, and improving blood pressure. It also improves lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity. High-intensity AT has a more significant impact on improving lipid profiles, while moderate to low-intensity exercise is sufficient for most people.
- **Resistance Training:** RT increases muscle mass and strength, which can improve insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. It is particularly beneficial for maintaining lean body mass during weight loss.
- **Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT):** NEAT, or spontaneous PA, is crucial for regulating energy expenditure and preventing obesity. Reducing sedentary behavior is recommended to improve health parameters.
**Recommendations:**
- **Aerobic Training:** At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity AT or 75 minutes per week of high-intensity AT, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.
- **Resistance Training:** To maintain lean body mass, include moderate to high-intensity RT in the exercise program.
- **General PA:** Aim for at least 300 minutes of PA per week, limiting sedentary time, and incorporating NEAT activities.
The authors conclude that PA is a low-cost, accessible, and effective way to prevent and treat MetS, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes in managing this condition.The article "Physical Activity in Metabolic Syndrome" by Chomiuk et al. (2024) reviews the impact of physical activity (PA) on various components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and provides recommendations for different types of PA in patients with MetS. MetS is a significant public health issue characterized by obesity, dyslipidemia, elevated blood pressure, and impaired glucose metabolism. The authors highlight the complex pathogenic mechanisms underlying MetS, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. They emphasize the importance of PA in modifying these components, particularly through aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT).
**Key Findings:**
- **Aerobic Training:** AT is effective in reducing body weight, visceral fat, and improving blood pressure. It also improves lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity. High-intensity AT has a more significant impact on improving lipid profiles, while moderate to low-intensity exercise is sufficient for most people.
- **Resistance Training:** RT increases muscle mass and strength, which can improve insulin sensitivity and blood pressure. It is particularly beneficial for maintaining lean body mass during weight loss.
- **Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT):** NEAT, or spontaneous PA, is crucial for regulating energy expenditure and preventing obesity. Reducing sedentary behavior is recommended to improve health parameters.
**Recommendations:**
- **Aerobic Training:** At least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity AT or 75 minutes per week of high-intensity AT, combined with muscle-strengthening exercises at least two days a week.
- **Resistance Training:** To maintain lean body mass, include moderate to high-intensity RT in the exercise program.
- **General PA:** Aim for at least 300 minutes of PA per week, limiting sedentary time, and incorporating NEAT activities.
The authors conclude that PA is a low-cost, accessible, and effective way to prevent and treat MetS, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes in managing this condition.