High-intensity Interval Training and Obesity

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a promising strategy to induce a number of metabolic adaptations and alter body composition. Recent evidence suggests that HIIT can be a time-efficient strategy to promote health in sedentary overweight/obese individuals. This may be contrary to the belief held by some health professionals that training programs at high intensity are not appropriate for optimizing fat oxidation and inducing weight loss in this population. This paper reviews the results of HIIT studies conducted with overweight/obese individuals. A special focus is on the effect of HIIT on fat oxidation and weight loss.