Introduction: Obesity and overweight caused by the industrial lifestyle and inactivity is an epidemic problem in the contemporary world. By creating a systemic inflammation and disorder in blood lipids, obesity causes chronic disease. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of circuit bodyweight training (CBWT) with chitosan supplementation on lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and aerobic fitness in obese men.
Methods: In a quasi-experimental research design, 22 overweight and obese men (age: 25-35 years; fat percentage: 32-37%; body mass index (BMI): 30-35 kg/m²) from Tabriz City were selected and assigned into two Exercise and Exercise-Chitosan groups based on BMI and fat percentage. The CBWT protocol consisted of five 30-minute sessions with 60-90% of heart rate reserve (HRR). CBWT consisted of six exercise stations lasting one minute with 30-40 seconds of rest between each exercise. Also, eight weeks of chitosan supplementation consisted of 500 mg per day in three divided doses which were taken 30 minutes before each main meal. 24 hours before and 48 hours after the last training session, aerobic capacity, lipid, and inflammatory profiles were measured. Data were analyzed using the Analysis of Covariance and independent t-test via SPSS26 software.
Results: Eight weeks of CBWT with and without chitosan supplementation did not cause significant changes in leukocytosis indices (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils), triglycerides, HDL, and LDL. However, in both groups of exercises with and without chitosan supplementation, the level of CRP decreased significantly and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Also, serum cholesterol levels decreased significantly only in the CBWT with the chitosan supplementation group (P=0.01).
Conclusion: CBWT along with chitosan supplementation is probably a suitable method to reduce systemic inflammation and improve the lipid profile of obese men