Exercise Methods for Overweight and Obese Individuals

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a time-efficient exercise approach based on alternating short bouts of high-intensity exercise with low-intensity recovery intervals. HIIT protocols may vary in terms of exercise intensity, work-to-recovery duration, number of repetitions, and exercise frequency, and can be individualized according to an individual's physical capacity. Particularly among overweight and obese individuals, time constraints are considered a major barrier to regular participation in exercise; therefore, HIIT has emerged as an alternative to traditional moderate-intensity continuous exercise due to its ability to be implemented within a shorter period of time. Current scientific evidence indicates that HIIT can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic capacity, enhance exercise tolerance, and produce beneficial effects on certain metabolic parameters. However, HIIT is not consistently superior to moderate-intensity continuous exercise in terms of body weight a

Study summary

Obesity is a complex disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, particularly atherosclerosis, type II diabetes, and metabolic syndrome; it is also associated with an increased risk of mortality. In addition, obesity is a multifaceted health problem that can adversely affect psychological well-being over time. It may contribute to a sustained vicious cycle by reducing self-esteem, impairing sleep quality, and increasing perceived stress. Hormonal changes occurring during the aging process further emphasize the importance of early intervention for obesity. In this context, incorporating both diet and exercise into daily life represents a powerful strategy for combating obesity. Lack of time is considered one of the major barriers to regular participation in exercise programs. Today, factors such as sedentary lifestyles, demanding work schedules, inadequate stress-coping mechanisms, and impaired body image may reduce individuals' awareness of weight management and healthy living while making it more difficult to develop appropriate strategies. This situation has led researchers to focus on exercise methods that can be implemented effectively within a short period of time. Recent studies have particularly highlighted the High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) model, which offers time-efficient exercise. Scientific evidence suggests that HIIT is an effective and time-efficient exercise approach for combating obesity. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of implementing a feasible HIIT training program through supervised online (individualized online training under physiotherapist supervision) and unsupervised (individual home-based exercise) approaches on changes in body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, self-esteem, sleep quality, perceived exertion during exercise, physical activity levels, stress management, and motivation to engage in physical activity. Furthermore, the study aims to implement HIIT training without restrictive dietary support to promote the long-term sustainability of a healthy lifestyle. Our goal is to enhance the integration of exercise into daily life under feasible conditions and to achieve positive outcomes among participants.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) — Baseline and 6 weeks
  The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) is a standardized instrument developed by the International Consensus Group in 1997-1998 with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior. The questionnaire can be administered to individuals aged 15-69 years. It assesses three main types of physical activity performed for at least 10 minutes during the previous seven days: walking, moderate-intensity activities, and vigorous-intensity activities, as well as the amount of time spent sedentary on an average day. A separate metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score is calculated for each activity category and then summed. The MET score is calculated by multiplying the MET value of the activity by the number of days and minutes performed. The results are categorized into three levels of physical activity: inactive, moderately active, and active. The questionnaire h

Trial sites (1)

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