Cardiovascular Risk Factors and their Responses to a 10 Weeks Training Program in Young Qatari Adults

Abstract

Rapid development in Qatar in recent years has led to numerous changes, particularly
the increased prevalence of lifestyle related health risks, with almost 50% obesity rates
amongst Qataris of all ages. We investigated the effects of a 10-week exercise training program
aimed at young Qatari adults, on a number of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. With
Qatar University IRB approval, we screened 158 (89 males, 69 females) Qatari student volunteers
from Qatar University for CVD factors of hypertension indicated by Systolic Blood
Pressure (BPS) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (BPD), overweight and obesity indicated by Body
Fat percentage (%BF), Body Weight (BW) and Body Mass Index (BMI). Thirty six participants
(23% of total number) were identified with one or more risk factors (hypertension and
overweight), and were enrolled to follow a 10-week recreational-type exercise training program.
The training involved 30-45 min of either walking, cycling, jogging and swimming at an
exercise intensity corresponding to 50-85% of each participant’s maximum heart rate, on 3-5
times/week. The intervention significantly reduced BW (93.4±14.1 vs. 86.7±14.5, and p<0.05),
BMI (31.0±3.6 vs. 28.7±3.9, p<0.05) and BF% (31.2±9.0 vs. 21.2±4.4, p<0.05) in males, and
there was a significant reduction in BPD (83.4±5.3 vs. 76.0±9.2 mm Hg, p<0.05). The effects
in female participants were not significant. This recreational-type exercise intervention was effective
in substantially reducing the CVD indices. However, the alarmingly high prevalence of
sedentary-related CVD risks amongst Qatari young adults, especially those related to obesity,
overweight and hypertension necessitate further public health interventions in this age-group
as an early prevention strategy.