Post-prandial capillary triacylglycerol responses to moderate exercise in centrally obese middle-aged men

In this study, we wished to determine whether 30 min of moderate-intensity exercise, corresponding to minimal recommended guidelines, attenuates post-prandial capillary triacylglycerol concentrations in obese men. Ten middle-aged, centrally obese men (age 46 ± 2 years, body mass index 31.6 ± 1.0 kg · m^-2, waist circumference 104.6 ± 2.2 cm) completed two 2-day trials (exercise and control) at least one week apart in a randomized, repeated-measures design. On day 1, participants either cycled for 30 min at approximately 60% of maximal heart rate in the afternoon or rested (no exercise). On day 2 of both trials, after a 10-h overnight fast, participants consumed a test meal of moderate fat content (35%) for breakfast. Capillary blood samples were collected in the fasted state (0 h) and at 2, 4, and 6 h post-prandially on day 2. Total area under the capillary triacylglycerol concentration versus time curve was significantly lower on the exercise than control trial (P = 0.023). One 30-min session of moderate-intensity cycling is effective in lowering post-prandial capillary triacylglycerol concentration in obese middle-aged men. These findings may have important implications for exercise recommendations as a means to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease if such exercise is performed for an extended period.