Mixed
Concurrent aerobic exercise and diet interventions significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and the TC:HDL ratio in overweight and obese adults, but do not significantly increase HDL cholesterol.
To improve your cholesterol and triglycerides, you need to do both: move your body aerobically (walking, jogging, cycling) 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes at a moderate intensity, AND adjust your diet to be lower in saturated fats and calories. While this combination significantly lowers 'bad' cholesterol and triglycerides, it may not raise 'good' HDL cholesterol, so consistent adherence is key.
These findings suggest that concurrent aerobic exercise and diet improve TC, LDL-C, TC : HDL-C, and TG, but not HDL-C, in overweight and obese adults.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 12 RCTs with robust statistical pooling, though heterogeneity was noted.
Source
Combined Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Diet on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Meta-Analysis
George A. Kelley et al. · Journal of Obesity · 2012
DOI 10.1155/2012/985902
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