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(PTFS05-04-26) Metabolic Outcomes in Young Adult Males With Normal Weight Obesity After Resistance and Aerobic Training

Sunday, July 26, 2026
8:12 AM - 8:16 AM ET
Location: Prince George's Hall B-E (The Hub) - Poster Theater 2 / Poster Board Number: PT2-4
Emerging Leaders in Nutrition Science Poster Competition
Disclosure(s):
Sylvia Wentroble, BS: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Sam R. Emerson, PhD: No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Objectives: Normal weight obesity (NWO), a body composition phenotype defined by normal weight body mass index (BMI) but elevated body fat, increases the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This study investigated cardiometabolic outcomes in young adult males with NWO and compared the effects of aerobic versus resistance exercise on these outcomes.

Methods: Young men (n = 48; age 18-39 years) with distinct body composition phenotypes were recruited.16 participants were normal-weight lean (NWL; BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, < 25% body fat), 16 had NWO (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, >25% body fat) and 16 had traditional obesity (OB; BMI ≥30 kg/m², >25% body fat). Body fat percentage was measured using dual-energy X ray absorptiometry (DXA), aerobic endurance was measured through a VO2max test, and fasting cardiometabolic risk factors were measured via photometric clinical chemistry analyzer. The NWO group was then randomized to a 12-week aerobic or resistance training intervention, followed by a DXA scan and cardiometabolic risk factor assessments.

Results: BMI was not different between NWL (22.8 ± 2.5 kg/m2) and NWO (23.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2, p = 0.92) but was greater in OB (34.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2, p< 0.0001). Body fat percentage was significantly different between all three groups (NWL < NWO < OB; p < 0.0001). Estimated VO2max was greater in NWL compared to OB (p = 0.003) with no other differences between groups. Fasting triglycerides were lower in NWL than NWO (p = 0.03) and OB (p = 0.003). Glucose was lower in NWL than OB (p = 0.03). No group differences were found in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, or ALT (p > 0.05). No significant changes or group differences were observed in the cardiometabolic endpoints of the NWO group following the 12-week intervention (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Young men with NWO demonstrated elevated fasting triglycerides compared with normal-weight lean controls, while other cardiometabolic endpoints were similar across groups. At this point in the study, no measurable improvements in cardiometabolic endpoints have been observed after aerobic or resistance training for 12 weeks in young men with NWO.

Funding Sources: American Heart Association Institutional Research Enhancement Award (25AIREA1377732)