Changes in Intrahepatic Lipids With Exercise

Individuals with obesity and particular type 2 diabetes have abnormally high levels of fat in liver cells and are at increased risk for cardiovascular and liver-related mortality. Prior research has shown that caloric restriction, exercise, and behavior modification can help lower hepatic fat levels in these individuals. Additional research has also shown that exercise independent of weight loss can reduce hepatic fat content in obese humans. The current exercise guidelines do not specify what type or what intensity of exercise is required to induce such reductions in hepatic fat. Thus, the purpose for doing this study is to determine if there are differential effects on liver fat with 4 wk of high intensity intermittent exercise compared with continuous moderate exercise in obese individuals.