Effects of a physical exercise program on adolescents with overweight and obesity

Introduction: Current national data shows that 60% of Brazilians are overweight. Thus, a program to treat overweight and obesity becomes a current need within the scope of public health. Objective: To verify the effects of a physical exercise program on anthropometric parameters and biochemical variables in overweight and obese adolescents Materials and methods: The study was characterized as a pragmatic clinical trial conducted with 18 adolescent participants, between 12 and 17 years old of both sexes, who joined an extension project for a private university in the city of Toledo-PR. The pre and post-test anthropometric parameters measured were: Body Mass; Structure; for calculating BMI; Circumferences (Abdominal and Waist and hip), and calculation of the relationships (Waist and hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio), and biochemical tests were performed in a clinical analysis laboratory from 8 to 12 hours (Glucose; Cholesterol; and Triglycerides). The interventions took place over three days, lasting one hour, for 24 weeks, divided into two days of combined training. Data analysis used resources from descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The exercise program showed a significant reduction in the anthropometric parameters of male waist, waist circumference and WHR in both sexes, in male flexibility and in female cholesterol levels. Conclusion: The importance of physical exercise was emphasized, promoting beneficial effects for adolescents. However, if the program had an interdisciplinary / multiprofessional team, the results would be more effective.