The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training on The Levels of Liver Enzymes Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver and Selected Anthropometric Indices in Obese Men

Background: Prevalence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate in most human societies. A common consequence of obesity is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and this can result in deranged liver enzymes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of eight weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on the levels of liver enzymes associated with NAFLD in obese men and the changes in key anthropometric indices. Methods: Thirty obese men with NAFLD (aged: 30 to 45 years) were assigned randomly to two groups: Control (n = 13) and Experimental (n = 17). HIIT was performed for eight weeks. Before and after the training period, liver enzyme levels (ALT and AST), liver ultrasound and several key anthropometric indices were measured. Results: Eight weeks of HIIT significantly reduced the levels of enzymes ALT (P = 0.002), and AST (p=0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Similar improvements were observed for waist-to-height ratio (WHTtR) [P = 0.012], waist circumference (WC) [P = 0.035], and body mass index (BMI) [P = 0.018]. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) decrease was not statistically significant (P = 0.10). Conclusions: HIIT is recommended as a potential weight control method for obese men and can provide a non-medical strategy in the treatment of NAFLD.