The Effects of Whey Protein Isolate Supplementation and Resistance Training on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight Young Men

Limited studies have been performed regarding the effects of resistant training and protein supplementation combination on cardiovascular risk factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of whey protein supplementation accompanied with resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight young men. A total number of 30 individuals with body mass index of 25-30 kg/m2 were randomly divided into three groups of supplement plus 6 weeks of resistance training (W), placebo plus 6 weeks of resistance training (D), and control (C). Whey protein supplement (30 grams of solution per day) and placebo (the same amount of starch solution) were consumed by the subjects. Lipid profile, fibrinogen, fasting blood sugar, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure and waist to hip ratio were measured. Data was analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post-hoc test. After supplementation, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased (P < 0.05). Levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride showed favorable decreases in both supplement and placebo groups (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in fibrinogen levels, fasting glucose, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and waist to hip ratio. Whey supplementation combined with 6 weeks of resistance training in overweight individuals created favorable changes in some cardiovascular risk factors which can lead to prevention of heart disease.