Search Results (172)

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the co-occurrence of abdominal obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Non-pharmacological strategies, such as hypocaloric diets (HD) and structured physical training (PT), have shown promise in improving metabolic and functional outcomes in this population. The aim of this prospective interventional study was to evaluate the effects of a 16-week program combining HD with PT on ventilatory efficiency and cardiometabolic risk markers in women with MetS. Forty-one sedentary women (aged 45–55 years) with clinically diagnosed MetS underwent anthropometric, metabolic, nutritional, and cardiopulmonary assessments before and after the intervention. Participants engaged in 60 min exercise sessions three times per week and followed a personalized hypocaloric diet targeting 5–10% weight loss. Post-intervention analyses revealed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in body weight (from 86.6 kg ± 3.3 kg to 78.2 kg ± 3.3 kg), body fat percentage (40.1% ± 0.6% to 33.4% ± 1.6%), and waist circumference (105.1 cm ± 1.2 cm to 95.7 cm ± 1.9 cm). Improvements were also observed in fasting glucose (from 117.1 mg/dL to 95.1 mg/dL) and triglycerides (158.8 mg/dL ± 9.1 mg/dL to 111.8 mg/dL ± 9.1 mg/dL), and in lean mass percentage (59.9% ± 6.5% to 66.6% ± 1.7%). Cardiopulmonary variables showed enhanced ventilatory function, with increased VO₂peak (1.59 L/min ± 0.1 L/min to 1.74 ± 0.1 L/min), improved oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), and a steeper VO₂/workload relationship. Resting heart rate and blood pressure declined significantly (69.9 bpm ± 2.0 bpm to 64.9 ± 1.8 bpm; 145.4 mmHg ± 3.9/80.2 ± 3.0 mmHg to 140.1 mmHg ± 2.7/75.2 ± 1.6 mmHg). In conclusion, the 16-week intervention combining HD with PT proved effective for reducing cardiometabolic risk factors and enhancing ventilatory efficiency, suggesting improved integration of oxygen uptake, transport, and utilization in the women with MetS assessed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity rates in Jordan have reached alarming levels, with 28% of school-age children classified as overweight or obese. School-based gardening interventions show promise for promoting healthy eating behaviors, yet limited research exists in Middle Eastern contexts. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a five-month school-based vegetable gardening and nutrition education intervention on anthropometric measures, dietary intake, and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding vegetable consumption among Jordanian primary school children. Methods: A quasi-experimental controlled trial was conducted with 216 students (ages 10–12 years) from two demographically matched schools in Amman, Jordan. The intervention group (n = 121) participated in weekly one-hour gardening sessions combined with nutrition education and vegetable tasting activities over five months, while the control group (n = 95) continued the standard curriculum. Outcomes measured at baseline and post-intervention included anthropometric assessments, dietary intake via 24 h recalls, and vegetable-related KAP using a validated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures ANCOVA. Results: The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in body composition, including reductions in BMI (−1.57 kg/m²), weight (−1.88 kg), and BMI z-score (−0.37), while controls showed minimal increases. Vegetable intake showed significant time × group interaction (p-value = 0.003), with a non-significant increase in the intervention group (2.7 to 2.9 times/day) and a non-significant decrease in the controls (2.5 to 2.4 times/day). Dietary quality improved, including increased fiber intake (+2.36 g/day) and reduced saturated fat consumption (−9.24 g/day). Nutrition knowledge scores increased substantially in the intervention group (+22.31 points) compared to controls (+1.75 points; p-value ≤ 0.001). However, attitudes and practices toward vegetable consumption showed no significant changes. Conclusions: This intervention effectively improved body composition, dietary quality, and nutrition knowledge among Jordanian primary school children. These findings provide evidence for implementing culturally adapted school gardening programs as childhood obesity prevention interventions in Middle Eastern settings, though future programs should incorporate family engagement strategies to enhance behavioral sustainability. Full article

Background: Adherence to Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is a key determinant of therapy success, particularly in chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease (CKD). MNT in CKD requires significant changes in patient’s dietary habits, which can affect long-term adherence. This study aims to evaluate the adherence to MNT in stage 5 CKD patients undergoing conservative kidney management (CKM), identifying potential challenges and strengths of nutritional intervention. Methods: We enrolled in 94 stage 5 CKD patients undergoing CKM at the University Hospital of Modena, Italy. We collect clinical data from medical and nutrition records. The inclusion criteria comprised patients of all genders, ages, and ethnicity with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), in pre-dialysis, enrolled in the nephrology and dietetics program, who had access to 24-h urine tests, anthropometric measurements, and dietary history records. Exclusion criteria included patients with CKD stages lower than 5, those who had not undergone at least one nutritional assessment, or lacked accessible 24-h urine data. The study utilized medical and dietary records from September 2017 to March 2025. The primary outcome was the assessment of adherence to medical nutrition therapy (MNT), comparing prescribed protein intake with actual intake, estimated from dietary history (DH). Protein intake was compared with normalized protein nitrogen appearance (nPNA) as stated by recent guidelines. Additional factors influencing adherence, such as age, gender, comorbidities, physical activity, and prior dietary interventions, were also evaluated. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were collected, and dietary intake was assessed using a seven-day DH. Results: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear correlation models, univariate logistic regression, t-tests, paired t-tests, and chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Most of the patients follow suggested energy and protein intakes limits; however, substantial individual variability emerged Bland–Altman analysis indicated a moderate bias and wide limits of agreement for energy intake (+116 kcal; limits of agreement –518.8 to +751.3 kcal), revealing frequent overestimation in self-reports. Protein intake showed less systematic error, but discrepancies between dietary recall and biochemical markers persisted. Protein intake decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001), while correlation with nPNA did not reach statistical significance (ρ = 0.224, p = 0.051). No significant associations were identified between adherence and most clinical or lifestyle factors, although diabetes was significantly associated with lower adherence to protein intake (p = 0.042) and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle showed a borderline association with energy intake adherence (p = 0.076), warranting further investigation. Longitudinal analysis found stable BMI and body weight, alongside notable reductions in sodium (p = 0.018), potassium (p = 0.045), and phosphorus intake (p < 0.001) over time. Conclusions: Assessing dietary adherence in CKD remains complex due to inconsistencies between self-reported and biochemical estimates. These findings highlight the need for more objective dietary assessment tools and ongoing, tailored nutritional support. Multifaceted interventions—combining education, personalized planning, regular monitoring, and promotion of physical activity—are recommended to enhance adherence and improve clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a time-efficient approach that has been recognized to enhance cardiometabolic health and aerobic capacity in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of various HIIT durations on cardiometabolic health and aerobic ability in adolescent women aged 17 to 19 years. Methods: Participants were separated into two intervention groups: HIIT 1 (6 weeks) and HIIT 2 (8 weeks), along with a control group. Both HIIT regimens included two weekly sessions: warm-up (jogging, accelerated running, and dynamic stretching), major sets (2 × 6–9 bouts of 30 s training at 90–95% HR_max with active recovery), and cooldown. Pre- and post-intervention measurements included body mass, BMI, body fat percentage, lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and VO_2max. Results: Both HIIT programs resulted in significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and body fat percentage (all p < 0.001), as well as improvements in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (all p < 0.001), compared to the control group. The changes in glycemia (p = 0.078) and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.825) were not statistically significant. Both HIIT groups showed significantly higher VO_2max (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Adolescent women’s cardiometabolic health and aerobic capacity increased considerably following 6- and 8-week HIIT training. These findings emphasize HIIT as a practical and time-saving strategy for this population, highlighting its effectiveness in improving key health parameters within a relatively short period. Full article

Background: Elevated BMI in women is linked to metabolic and endocrine imbalances that impair fertility and increase pregnancy risks. While >10% weight loss before an Assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment may improve outcomes, sustained results through conventional diets are challenging. A very-low calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) promotes rapid fat loss while preserving lean mass and may offer long-term benefits. This study evaluated the efficacy (≥10% weight loss without lean mass reduction), adherence, metabolic effects, and pregnancy outcomes of a meal replacement VLCKD in women with overweight or obesity scheduled for ART. Methods: This monocentric, prospective case-series was conducted at the Obesity and Work Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan (September 2019–September 2023). Eligible women underwent a three-phase dietary program: a 3-month VLCKD (<800 kcal/day), a 6-month transition with gradual carbohydrate reintroduction, and a Mediterranean-style maintenance diet. Participants were monitored for safety, body composition, adherence, and biochemical changes. Results: Of 52 women enrolled, 40 initiated the VLCKD; 27 (68%) achieved ≥10% weight loss while preserving lean mass. Eleven conceived naturally during or after the diet; 22 underwent ART, with 12 additional pregnancies. This corresponds to a 58% pregnancy rate among those who began the VLCKD. Significant improvements were observed in body mass index (BMI), fat mass, waist circumference, glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and liver function. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A meal replacement VLCKD protocol is feasible, well-tolerated, and associated with significant improvements in weight, especially in body composition, metabolic health, and potentially outcomes in women with overweight or obesity awaiting ART. Full article

LIM homeodomain (LIM-HD) is a versatile family of transcription factors that act as master regulators in various developmental processes of eukaryotes, and one of the LIM-HD encoded genes is the arrowhead (AWH). In silkworm Bombyx mori, the Arrowhead gene (BmAWH) functions as a key component activating all three fibroin genes in the silk glands of B. mori, but the potential pleiotropic effects of BmAWH on various tissues of the silkworm is yet to be discovered. The objective of this study is to investigate the functional role of a BmAWH gene in the B. mori (Dazao) developmental process, using the piggyBac-based transgene technique. The size of transgenic line silk glands have become smaller, resulting in the reduction in whole cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, and cocoon–shell ratio. Overexpression of BmAWH has induced significant changes in juvenile hormone levels in female larvae at the fifth instar larval stage. Female reproductive defects (reduction in fecundity rate, abnormal egg morphology) were observed. In addition, transgenic line larvae exhibit the complete disappearance of larval body patterns and color (melanin pigmentation). Since the LIM-HD protein functions to orchestrate complex developmental programs, this study may shed light on evolutionary adaptations and the divergence of insect gene functions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Weight-based stigma represents a pervasive psychosocial challenge affecting youth worldwide, with significant implications for mental and physical health. Although school-based interventions have been suggested as effective strategies to reduce weight bias, evidence regarding their content and efficacy in real-world educational contexts remains limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based intervention designed to reduce internalized weight stigma among Italian adolescents. Methods: A total of 539 secondary school students (Mage = 15.91 years; SD = 1.38; 51.5% males) from 10 schools in Italy were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (61.2%, n = 330) receiving the program or a minimal intervention control group (38.8%, n = 209). The intervention integrated psychoeducational modules and activities based on cognitive dissonance theory to address maladaptive weight-related attitudes and associated psychopathological outcomes. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluated internalized weight bias and body dissatisfaction in both groups. Results: A significant reduction in internalized weight bias was observed among students perceiving themselves as overweight following the intervention. Additionally, a marginally significant decrease in body dissatisfaction was reported in the intervention group from pre- to post-intervention. No comparable changes were found in the control group. Conclusions: These findings suggest that incorporating cognitive dissonance-based psychoeducational content within school-based programs may be a promising approach for reducing internalized weight stigma in adolescents. Further research is warranted to refine intervention strategies, explore the mechanisms underlying the observed effects, and assess the scalability and long-term impact of such initiatives in school settings. Full article

Objective: This study systematically examined the effects of recreational football on body composition and cardiometabolic health in overweight or obese individuals via subgroup analyses of potential moderators. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data) in May and July 2025 to identify controlled trials evaluating recreational football among overweight or obese individuals. A meta-analysis was performed to pool the effect estimates, reported as standardized mean differences (SMDs), with heterogeneity explored through subgroup analyses. Results: Recreational football interventions across 32 studies (1126 participants, aged 11–68) led to significant improvements in body composition and cardiometabolic health. The training programs ranged from 4 to 48 weeks, with sessions lasting 4 to 30 min. Key body composition outcomes included reductions in body weight (SMD = −0.51), body mass index (SMD = −0.41), body fat percentage (SMD = −0.53), fat mass (SMD = −0.40), and waist circumference (SMD = −1.43), along with increases in lean body mass (SMD = 0.18). The effects were more pronounced in females and younger participants (≤18 years). Cardiometabolic benefits included reductions in systolic blood pressure (SMD = −0.59), diastolic blood pressure (SMD = −0.75), and mean arterial pressure (SMD = −0.91), as well as resting heart rates (SMD = −0.85), especially among females, obese males, and those subject to shorter rest intervals. Participants’ peak oxygen uptake also improved (SMD = 0.81). Concerning lipid metabolism, participants’ total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased significantly, particularly in females, younger and obese individuals, and those who trained more than twice per week. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased significantly only in females and those involved in frequent training. In regard to glucose metabolism, participants’ fasting insulin declined (SMD = −0.47), especially in regard to programs exceeding 12 weeks, whereas no significant changes were observed in fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, or the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. According to the GRADE assessments, the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate across these outcomes. Conclusions: Recreational football improves the body composition and cardiometabolic health in overweight or obese individuals, resulting in reductions in adiposity, blood pressure, lipids, and insulin, with greater benefits observed in females, younger individuals, and those engaging in more frequent training. These findings support its potential as a practical intervention for weight and cardiometabolic risk management, in both clinical and community settings. Full article

This pilot, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)—provided in a 2:1:1 ratio of leucine:isoleucine:valine—combined with exercise on fatigue, physical performance, and quality of life in older adults. Twenty participants (63% female; BMI: 35 ± 2 kg/m²; age: 70.5 ± 1.2 years) were randomized to 8 weeks of either exercise + BCAAs (100 mg/kg body weight/d) or exercise + placebo. The program included moderate aerobic and resistance training three times weekly. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, chair stands, gait speed, VO₂ max, and a 400 m walk. Psychological health was evaluated using the CES-D, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and global pain, fatigue, and quality of life using a visual analog scale (VAS). Significant group x time interactions were found for handgrip strength (p = 0.03), chair stands (p < 0.01), and 400 m walk time (p < 0.01). Compared to exercise + placebo, exercise + BCAAs showed greater improvements in strength, mobility, and endurance, along with reductions in fatigue (−45% vs. +92%) and depressive symptoms (−29% vs. +5%). Time effects were also observed for ISI (−30%), FAS (−21%), and VAS quality of life (16%) following exercise + BCAA supplementation. These preliminary results suggest that BCAAs combined with exercise may be an effective way to improve physical performance and reduce fatigue and depressive symptoms in older adults. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a 16-week exercise program combining aerobic and resistance training on body composition, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), apelin-12, and interleukin-15 (IL-15) in older Korean women according to obesity status. Methods: Participants were divided into obesity (n = 15) and normal-weight groups (n = 14). A walking exercise was performed at 60–70% heart rate reserve (RPE 13–15). The bodyweight resistance exercises were progressively intensified over 16 weeks. Analysis methods included two-way repeated measures ANOVA, ANCOVA, and paired and independent t-tests. Results: Significant main effects of time and group were observed in body weight (p < 0.001), and both groups demonstrated significant within-group reductions in body mass index (BMI) (obese: p < 0.001; normal-weight: p < 0.05), along with significant between-group differences (p < 0.001). The percentage of body fat significantly decreased over time (p < 0.01) and differed between groups (p < 0.001). GDF-15 exhibited a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.05) and a main group effect (p < 0.05). Although no statistically significant changes were observed in Apelin-12 levels, an opposite trend was identified between groups, with an increase in the obese group and a decrease in the normal-weight group. For IL-15, no significant interaction effect was found between the groups. Conclusions: The 16-week combined exercise intervention improved key markers of body composition, particularly in obese older women, and led to increased GDF-15, indicating potential metabolic benefits. While changes in apelin-12 and IL-15 were not statistically significant, the findings support the utility of combined exercise for mitigating fat accumulation and promoting healthy aging in older adults. Full article

Limited data exist on the underlying physiological phenomena of aerobic training; the impulse oscillometry method, allowing the assessment of small airways and lung periphery in addition to standard lung function testing, might be a useful addition to rehabilitation programs. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the immediate effect of a structured low-intensity aerobic training program on small airway function in healthy volunteers to explore potential implications for long-term COPD care. Methods: Thirty-six healthy volunteers were recruited between May 2024 and January 2025; each participant underwent a lung function testing session, followed by low/moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and, after 15 min, by a second impulse oscillometry assessment. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in airway resistance following the physical exertion for the whole group (mean difference 0.03 kPa/L/s, 95%CI 0–0.6 kPa/L/s); significantly lower values were recorded for the reactance component X5 (0.02 kPa/L/s, 95%CI 0–0.4 kPa/L/s) for the normal weight subgoup (n = 24). These results, corroborated with literature data, suggest optimization of the distribution of the airflow and possibly alteration of the elastic properties of the thoracic structures following even low-intensity effort. Conclusions: Low-intensity upper body strength and aerobic training seem to have an immediate respiratory beneficial effect on healthy volunteers manifested as a reduction in airway resistance. The underlying mechanism might be related to improved contractility of respiratory muscles, but changes in lung parenchyma elasticity may also be involved, possibly reflecting modifications of ventilation heterogeneity. Impulse oscillometry may be superior to spirometry in monitoring the effects of aerobic training, considering the additional data it provides, and could be used to optimize and personalize rehabilitation protocols. Full article

Sedentary behavior among young women is increasingly associated with adverse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate and compare the effects of three structured group fitness programs on anthropometric parameters, body composition, and lipid profile in overweight young women (N = 111, age 18–25, BMI ≥ 25). Participants were assigned to mix aerobics (E1, n = 27), kickbox aerobics (E2, n = 28), step aerobics (E3, n = 27), or a control group (C, n = 29). Each intervention lasted 12 weeks, with sessions conducted three times per week, each lasting 60 min. The results were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Significant reductions were observed in body weight (−4.8 kg in E1, p < 0.01), waist circumference (−5.3 cm in E1, p < 0.001), and body fat percentage (−3.6% in E1, p < 0.01). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased by 7.4 mg/dL (p < 0.01), while low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides decreased by 12.1 mg/dL, 18.6 mg/dL, and 19.4 mg/dL, respectively (all p < 0.01). The most pronounced overall improvements were found in the mix aerobics group. In contrast, the control group showed significant deterioration in most variables, including a 2.1 kg weight gain and a 6.3 mg/dL increase in total cholesterol (p < 0.05). These findings confirm the superior effectiveness of mix aerobics as a non-pharmacological intervention to improve body composition (notably through reductions in body weight, fat percentage, and waist circumference) and cardiovascular biomarkers (such as increased HDL and decreased LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) in young overweight women. Compared to kickboxing and step aerobics, mix aerobics consistently achieved the greatest improvements across all measured parameters, making it the most comprehensive and effective option among the three programs tested. Full article

Introduction: Obesity is a multifactorial condition strongly associated with physical and psychological comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate changes in psychological symptoms and their correlation with anthropometric and body composition improvements in hospitalized obese patients undergoing a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program (MRP). Methods: A total of 178 obese patients (61 males and 117 females; mean age 58.5 ± 14.0 years; mean BMI 41.3 ± 6.1 kg/m²) completed a two-month structured intervention combining a low-energy Mediterranean-style diet, individualized physical activity, and psychological support. Body composition by DXA, biochemical markers, and psychological outcomes (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] and Binge Eating Scale [BES]) were assessed at baseline and discharge. Results: At baseline, 72.3% of participants showed depressive symptoms (BDI > 10), and 42.7% exhibited binge eating behaviors (BES ≥ 17). The intervention led to significant reductions in weight (−7.08 kg), BMI (−2.68 kg/m²), fat mass (−4.43 kg), and visceral adipose tissue (−329 g) (all p < 0.001). Mean BDI and BES scores decreased by 5.9 and 6.4 points, respectively (both p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were observed between reductions in adiposity and improvements in psychological symptoms, such as r = −0.45 for depressive symptoms (BDI) and r = −0.39 for binge eating behaviors (BES) (p-values < 0.001). Conclusions: A structured multidisciplinary intervention significantly improved body composition and psychological well-being in hospitalized obese patients. The moderate association between reduced adiposity and alleviation of depressive symptoms and binge eating behaviors underlines the value of integrated physical, nutritional, and psychological care. Level of Evidence: Level 3, according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. Full article

Background: Sarcopenic obesity, characterized by excess fat and reduced muscle mass/function, is linked to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 2-month multidisciplinary residential program (MRP) on the clinical and functional outcomes associated with the risk of sarcopenia in 61 institutionalized Italian adults with obesity (mean age of 60; 36 women and 25 men; BMI ≥ 30 with metabolic comorbidities). The MRP included personalized nutrition, physical activity, and psychological support. Outcomes included anthropometric, biochemical, body composition, and physical performance measures (via Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), with sarcopenia risk evaluated using EWGSOP2 criteria. Results: Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in SPPB scores (+0.93 units, p < 0.001), weight (−6.4 kg), BMI (−2.45 kg/m²), fat mass (−3.9 kg), visceral adipose tissue (−314.2 g), and fat-free mass index (−285.54 g; all p < 0.01). Glycemic control improved, with reductions in fasting glucose (−16.4 mg/dL), HbA1c (−0.81%), insulin (−2.77 mcU/mL), and HOMA-IR (−0.95; p < 0.05). Lipid profiles also improved, including total cholesterol (−21.32 mg/dL), LDL (−12.10 mg/dL), and triglycerides (−39.07 mg/dL; all p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MRP effectively enhanced body composition, metabolic health, and physical function, underscoring its potential as a preferred strategy for managing sarcopenic obesity in institutional settings. Full article

Background: Previous studies have shown that a high body mass index (BMI) is detrimental to executive function (EF) in children and elderly populations but may be improved by physical activity (PA). However, research on adolescents aged 12–14 is lacking. This study explores two parts: Part 1: cross-sectional correlation between BMI and EF; Part 2: the effect of an 8-week rope skipping intervention. Methods: Recruit 166 adolescents to participate in EF tasks. Screen and select 96 adolescents to be assigned to the normal weight control group (N-C, n = 23) and the normal weight exercise group (N-E, n = 23), the overweight control group (OV-C, n = 13), and the overweight exercise group (OV-E, n = 14), the obese control group (OB-C, n = 12), and the obese exercise group (OB-E, n = 11). Exercise program: moderate-to-high-intensity rope skipping training. Control program: Self-directed reading. Data were recorded for BMI and EF tasks. Results: Part 1, EF and BMI exhibit a negative linear correlation. Part 2, the reaction time of EF tasks in N-E, OV-E and OB-E decreased about 9, 14, 13% (p < 0.05), respectively, while the average BMI in OV-E and OB-E decreased about 10% and 11% (p < 0.05), suggesting a potential correlation between the reduction in BMI and the improvement in EF, which means that the exercise intervention significantly improved EF performance. Conclusions: Among adolescents aged 12–14, overweight and obese individuals exhibit weaker EF compared with normal weight individuals. An 8-week moderate-to-high-intensity rope skipping exercise program can improve EF in adolescents aged 12–14 with different BMIs, and the improvement is greater in overweight and obese individuals. Full article