Introduction
Obesity is closely linked to increased oxidative stress, contributing to the development of several comorbidities such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and hypertension. Addressing oxidative stress through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, is critical for managing these conditions. This study investigates the combined and separate effects of ginger supplementation and progressive resistance training (PRT) on oxidative stress markers in obese men.
Study Design and Methods
Thirty-two obese males with a BMI of 30 or higher were divided into four groups: placebo only, resistance training with placebo, resistance training with ginger supplementation, and ginger supplementation only. Over ten weeks, the ginger groups consumed 1 gram of ginger daily, while the training groups engaged in resistance training three times per week. Key oxidative stress markers, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention.
Results and Conclusions
The findings revealed significant interactions between the type of intervention and changes in oxidative stress markers. Both ginger supplementation and resistance training independently decreased oxidative stress markers. However, combining resistance training with ginger supplementation did not enhance the benefits; instead, it negated the effects seen with each intervention alone. This unexpected outcome highlights the complexity of biochemical responses to combined treatments and suggests that more targeted strategies may be necessary to optimize the health benefits of diet and exercise in obese populations.
Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1728869X14000045