Effect of Interval Training and Melatonin Consumption on New Obesity Indices and Atherogenic Index in Overweight and Obese Women

Obesity and being overweight elevate triglycerides, blood cholesterol, blood pressure, and LDL levels while decreasing HDL levels. This study aimed to examine the impact of eight weeks of interval training combined with melatonin consumption on novel obesity indicators and the atherogenic index in overweight and obese women.

This semi-experimental, applied research involved 40 women aged between 30 to 45 years. They were randomly divided into four groups of ten each: intense interval training plus melatonin consumption (Group I), intense interval training plus placebo (Group II), melatonin consumption only (Group III), and a control group. The high-intensity interval training was conducted over eight weeks, with three sessions weekly. The regimen progressed from 5 repetitions in the first and second weeks to 6 in the third and fourth weeks, 7 in the fifth and sixth weeks, and 8 in the final two weeks. Groups I and III consumed 3 mg of melatonin tablets (manufactured by Razak company, Iran) nightly, an hour before bedtime, for the study duration. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 at 0.05 significance level.

The combination of eight weeks of interval training and melatonin consumption significantly impacted the visceral adiposity index (VAI), atherogenic plasma index (AIP), TC/HDL-c ratio, and HDL-c levels in overweight and obese women (P=0.001 for each). However, there were no significant effects on the ApoA-1/ApoB ratio, body adiposity index (BAI), or ApoA- 1 and Apo B levels (P=0.089, P=0.053, P=0.696, P=0.156, respectively).

Intensive interval training coupled with melatonin supplementation positively influences obesity management, weight control, and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in overweight and obese women.