BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare 6 weeks short-term moderate intensity aerobic exercise and dieting on serum metabolomics and cardio-metabolic risk factors in pre-menopausal women. METHODS: Ninety previously inactive overweight and obese (BMI 25 to 35kg/m2) women (age 41.5 +/- 7.6 years) were randomized to either a 6-week Nordic walking exercise program (EX, n = 45) or dietary counseling group (DI, n = 45). Body composition, serum glucose, insulin and lipids were measured. Serum low-molecular-weight metabolites and lipid constituents were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Measurements were done at baseline and 7 days after the last training session. RESULTS: Six weeks aerobic exercise program yielded reductions in serum free fatty acids (-34.7%, 95% confidence interval (CI) -50 to -18, p < 0.001), glucose (-9.6%, 95%CI -15 to -4, p < 0.001) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (-28.7%, 95%CI -48 to -10, p = 0.005) without changes in body weight or fat mass. Diet counseling resulted in loss of body weight (1.5%, 95%CI -2.3 to -0.7, p = 0.001) but no changes in free fatty acids, fasting glucose, or HOMA-IR were found. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that small weight loss does not produce measurable health benefits, whereas short-term regular aerobic exercise can improve glucose and lipid metabolism even in the absence of weight loss in previously sedentary overweight and obese women.

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