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Exercise and ectopic fat in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
A Sabag1, K L Way1, S E Keating2
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia; Boden Institute of Obesity, Nutrition, Exercise & Eating Disorders, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Diabetes & Metabolism
|February 7, 2017
Summary
Exercise effectively reduces visceral fat and may decrease liver fat in adults with type 2 diabetes. Aerobic exercise is particularly beneficial for reducing visceral adiposity in overweight or obese individuals.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Metabolic Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Ectopic fat, including visceral and liver fat, is associated with cardio-metabolic complications in type 2 diabetes.
- Understanding the impact of exercise on ectopic fat is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of exercise on ectopic fat in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- To determine the efficacy of different exercise modalities on ectopic fat reduction.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ≥4 weeks of exercise.
- Ectopic fat quantification using MRI, CT, proton MRS, or muscle biopsy.
- Risk of bias and study quality assessment.
Main Results:
- Exercise significantly reduced visceral adiposity (ES=-0.21, P=0.010).
- A near-significant reduction in liver steatosis was observed with exercise (ES=-0.28, P=0.054).
- Aerobic exercise, but not resistance training, was effective in reducing visceral fat in overweight/obese adults.
Conclusions:
- Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is effective in reducing visceral fat in type 2 diabetes.
- Aerobic exercise should be a key component of exercise programs for managing visceral fat in obesity-related type 2 diabetes.
- Further research is needed on exercise's effect on liver, pancreas, heart, and intramyocellular fat, independent of weight loss.
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