Effects of Moderate-Frequency Resistance Training on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Yigao Wu, Yunqing Zhang, Yixuan Li et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed moderate-frequency resistance training (2–3 sessions per week) in nonathletic adults with overweight or obesity. It included 12 randomized controlled trials with 454 participants, comparing training lasting at least 7 weeks with nonexercise control. Resistance training was associated with reductions in diastolic blood pressure (MD = -1.53 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.16 to -0.91; p < 0.01), LDL-C, and triglycerides. It did not significantly affect systolic blood pressure, glycemic markers, or several other measured cardiometabolic outcomes.
Key findings
- Diastolic blood pressure decreased by MD = -1.53 mmHg (95% CI: -2.16 to -0.91; p < 0.01).
- LDL-C decreased by MD = -0.25 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.41 to -0.08; p < 0.01).
- Triglycerides decreased by MD = -0.17 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.30 to -0.04; p = 0.01).
- No significant effects were found for systolic blood pressure, glycemic markers, waist circumference, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, or HDL-C.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that moderate-frequency resistance training may improve selected cardiovascular risk markers in adults with overweight or obesity, while effects across cardiometabolic outcomes are not consistent. This distinction helps frame resistance training as one component of lifestyle risk management rather than an intervention with broad demonstrated effects on blood pressure, lipids, and glycemic measures.
What to keep in mind
The evidence comes from 12 trials with 454 participants, and the abstract does not report follow-up beyond the minimum training duration or provide details on variation in trial methods.