The effect of soccer training on the levels of atherosclerotic lipids in the blood of obese subjects

Aerobic exercise may modify lipid levels in obese subjects. The resulting change in lipid profile reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of soccer training on lipid parameters in obese individuals playing soccer for recreation. Thirty obese subjects aged 25 to 55 years participated in the study. Twenty-two of the subjects played soccer recreationally for two hours per week over a four-month period and the remaining eight constituted the control group. Before and after the study period, we collected anthropometric data and capillary blood samples for the analysis of lipid parameters. All subjects had mixed obesity and lipid parameters showed that all were at risk of cardiovascular disease. The lipid profiles of the individuals in the training group did not become less atherosclerotic. Thus, soccer training without intensive coaching did not affect the weight or lipid profiles of these obese recreational soccer players. Such training is therefore less effective than appropriate therapeutic agents for reducing the risk of atherosclerosis in obese subjects. We suggest that regular individual aerobic exercise associated with dietetic advice is probably the best way to manage the risks of atherosclerosis.