Lifestyle changes and risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases and immune system of sedentary women

Objective The objective of this study was to observe the effects of two months of a lifestyle-changing program on the immune system and risk of non-communicable chronic diseases and how they associate with each other and with body composition. Methods Fifty women aged 36 years (SD=10) with a mean body mass index of 31kg/m(2) (SD=12) participated in this study. The following data were investigated: body composition (by anthropometry and bioimpedance), complete blood count, lipid profile, plasma concentrations of vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, zinc, uric acid and glucose. The program consisted of circuit weight training or walking for 1 hour, three times per week during the first month and for 1 hour, four times per week during the second month and changes to their eating habits. Results There was a significant reduction in body fat and plasma concentrations of uric acid, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein. Triglycerides, low density lipoprotein and immune system variables remained unchanged. Zinc was not associated with any variable. The leukocytes, lymphocytes, platelets and vitamin C were positively associated with body fat and negatively associated when divided by body mass (kg). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein divided by vitamin A and beta-carotene concentrations had a negative correlation with body fat. Vitamin C correlated the most with other biochemical risk factors. Conclusion The risk factors for non-communicable chronic diseases reduced, but immune system markers remained unchanged. Increased body fat was negatively associated with immune system markers and vitamins.