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A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats
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Obesity and Exercise: New Insights and Perspectives
Natasha Maria James1,2, Kristin I Stanford1,2
1Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Endocrine Reviews
|June 16, 2025
Summary
Obesity increases the risk of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Exercise can help mitigate these risks by improving whole-body metabolism and metabolic tissue function.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic diseases
- Obesity research
- Exercise physiology
Background:
- Rising global obesity rates pose significant health risks, increasing susceptibility to type 2 diabetes (T2D), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity and its impact on metabolic organs like adipose tissue, liver, and muscle is critical for developing effective interventions.
- Exercise is a proven strategy for preventing and managing obesity-related health issues, offering systemic metabolic benefits and tissue adaptations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the multifaceted impact of obesity on metabolic disease development.
- To elucidate how obesity affects metabolic function and the potential benefits of exercise interventions.
- To examine the specific effects of obesity and exercise on muscle, adipose tissue, and liver function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on obesity, metabolic diseases, and exercise.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms in key metabolic organs (adipose tissue, liver, muscle).
- Exploration of combined therapeutic strategies including pharmacotherapeutics, bariatric surgery, and exercise.
Main Results:
- Obesity significantly alters metabolic function, increasing the risk of T2D, MASH, and CVD.
- Exercise demonstrates beneficial effects on whole-body metabolism and adaptations in muscle, adipose tissue, and liver.
- Combined interventions may offer enhanced outcomes for managing obesity and associated metabolic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is a major driver of metabolic diseases, necessitating comprehensive management strategies.
- Exercise plays a vital role in mitigating obesity's adverse effects on metabolic health.
- Further research into combined therapeutic approaches, including exercise, is warranted for effective obesity treatment.
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