Evaluation of Lifestyle Modification on Cardiovascular Risk

Evaluation of Lifestyle Modification on Cardiovascular Risk in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Women: a Ghrelin-mediated Response

This study proposes to examine the independent and combined effects of an 8-week home-based, equipment-free HIIT exercise intervention with/without Mediterranean diet through ghrelin-mediated alteration in overweight and obese metabolic women to improve cardiovascular-risk related markers and metabolic risk factors.

This is a randomised-controlled study investigating the independent and combined effects of a home-based, equipment-free high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercise intervention with/without the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) through ghrelin-mediated alteration on body composition, cardiovascular risk-related markers, metabolic markers and obesity-related hormones in postmenopausal women. The intervention will last for 8-weeks, with three arms comprising of 1) exercise only (Ex); 2) exercise and MedDiet (Ex+MedDiet); 3) control (no intervention).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Female
• Participants >45-65 years of age
• Body mass index (BMI) >25.0 - 35.0
• Postmenopausal (with spontaneous amenorrhea for the last 12 months)
• Healthy (no known diseases)
• Physically inactive (IPAQ score - category I and not engaged in at least 60 min/week of structured exercise during the previous 6 months)
• Generally well enough to exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any inclusion criteria not met
• Abnormal ECG
• Current smokers
• Current or history of substance abuse and/or excess alcohol intake
• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Gastrointestinal disease e.g. inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• On hormone therapy for <6 months
• Prescribed anti-hypertensive or beta-blocker medication