| Summary: | Background: Obesity is not only associated with cardiovascular diseases
but also a primary cause of liver dysfunction and other related diseases. This
study’s aim was to determine the impact of a combination of dietary modification
and aerobic exercise on liver function in overweight and obese adult males.
Methods: 45 overweight or obese men were randomly divided between the
control group (n = 22) and intervention group (n = 23). Subjects in the
intervention group were provided with dietary modification and aerobic exercise
programmes. Dietary modification is a diet which restricts calorie intake and
balances nutrients. Before and after 12 weeks of intervention, participants’
anthropometric characteristics and biochemical parameters relating to liver
function including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase
(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were
measured.
Results: 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and dietary modification resulted
in average weight loss of 10.6%, and body mass index, waist circumference and
fat percentage decreased by 10.2%, 9.4% and 14.5% (p < 0.05). AST,
ALT, GGT and ALP in the intervention group reduced by 20.6%, 18.1%, 37.7% and
6.1% (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, AST, ALT, GGT and ALP
in the intervention group were markedly lower (p < 0.05). Furthermore,
there was a markedly positive relationship between the reduction rates of body
weight and GGT (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: 12 weeks of aerobic exercise and dietary modification
caused significant weight, waist circumference and body fat percentage reduction
in overweight and obese men and their liver function was improved. The findings
can provide a scientific reference for the improvement of liver function and
prevention of liver diseases among overweight and obese people.
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