Metabolic Mechanisms of Fat Accumulation and Effects of a Healthy Lifestyle Intervention on Obesity Indicators in Adults A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Obesity is a complex condition resulting from a long-term positive energy balance, in which energy intake exceeds energy expenditure, leading to excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. This study evaluated the impact of a six-month healthy lifestyle intervention on anthropometric, metabolic, and lipid parameters among obese adults. Participants were divided into three groups: obese individuals pre-intervention, the same group post-intervention, and normal-weight controls. Body composition was measured, and lipid profile and metabolic parameters were assessed before and after the intervention. The study was designed as a quasi-experimental longitudinal controlled study, done from 2024 to 2025. The intervention included a healthy lifestyle program was designed for obese group. The results showed significantly higher body composition and metabolic indices in obese group compared to normal-weight individuals. Lipid profile were significantly higher (P<0.05), with the exception of high-density lipoprotein, which was low in the obese group before the intervention. Post-intervention, a significant decrease was observed in body compositions indicators, lipid profile, and metabolic indicators compared to the values recorded before the intervention. These values, however, remaining higher than the levels of healthy individuals. High-density lipoprotein increased slightly post-intervention, but did not reach the level of normal weight individuals. The results reflect the positive effect of fat loss on reducing chronic inflammation associated with obesity and improving metabolic and lipid profiles, confirming the effectiveness of a healthy lifestyle in obesity management.