Background: Factors such as body circumference and body shape indices are better predictors of metabolic risk than traditional anthropometric measures. Regular exercise interventions may improve body composition and lipid profiles. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the effects of eight weeks of CrossFit training and traditional resistance training on the novel abdominal obesity indices A Body Shape Index (ABSI) and Body Roundness Index (BRI), lipid profile, and physical fitness in obese women with hyperlipidemia.
Methods: This randomized, parallel-group intervention study was conducted among 29 women with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m², age 20–30 years) who were randomly assigned to either the CrossFit group (n=15) or the traditional resistance training group (n=14).
Interventions were performed for eight weeks, with three sessions per week. Anthropometric indices, lipid profile, maximal oxygen consumption (VO₂max), and muscular strength were assessed before and 48 hours after the intervention. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and paired t-tests (α=0.05).
Results: CrossFit significantly reduced waist circumference (P-Value =0.011) and ABSI (P-Value =0.048) compared with traditional training in between-group ANCOVA analyses. Significant between-group differences were observed for HDL (P-Value =0.048), LDL (P-Value =0.007), triglycerides (P-Value =0.041), CHD risk ratio (P-Value =0.018), and atherogenic index (P-Value =0.041), favoring the CrossFit group. VO₂max (P-Value =0.021) and upper-body strength (P-Value =0.001) also improved significantly in the CrossFit group. However, lower-body strength did not differ significantly between the groups (P-Value =0.289).
Conclusion: CrossFit training may be more effective than traditional resistance training for improving lipid profile, abdominal obesity indices, and aerobic capacity in obese women with hyperlipidemia. However, larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
