Efficacy of exercise therapy to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese children and adolescents: a systematic review

Background and objective: Excess weight in the younger population is associated with the various cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia and even metabolic syndrome early in life. Since these cardiometabolic profiles in children and adolescents track into adulthood they can give rise to the development of cardiovascular diseases and non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Method: A systematic literature search was performed in 4 electronic databases, Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane Library und SPORTDiscus, looking for data on the efficacy of training programmes to improve cardiometabolic outcome parameters in overweight and obese children and adolescents. Results: 12 randomized controlled trials were assessed eligible for inclusion. 9 of 12 trials documented improvements of at least one clinical or cardiometabolic marker in overweight children or adolescents upon completion of the training programme. Conclusion: Aerobic training programmes have the potential to effectively improve cardiovascular risk factors in overweight or obese children and juveniles. The evidence from previous studies is moderate. Further studies of high methodological quality are needed.