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Background: Chronic low-grade inflammation and metabolic irregularities are strongly associated
with obesity, increasing the likelihood of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular
diseases. Aquarobics, a low-impact aerobic exercise performed in water, can provide a safe and
effective method to enhance the metabolic health of obese individuals. This study aimed to
evaluate the impact of a structured aquarobics program on the metabolic profile and inflammatory
markers in individuals with obesity. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 40
obese individuals (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), aged between 15-20 years. Participants were allocated to
either an intervention group (n=20), which engaged in supervised aquarobics three times weekly
for 12 weeks, or a control group (n=20) that did not participate in any organized physical activity.
Blood samples were obtained before and after the intervention to evaluate lipid profiles (total
cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides), fasting glucose levels, and inflammatory markers (CRP and
IL-6). Body composition and VO₂max were also assessed. Results: After 12 weeks, the
intervention group exhibited notable enhancements in HDL levels (p<0.01), along with decreases
in LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose (p<0.05). The inflammatory markers
CRP and IL-6 showed a significant reduction compared to baseline experienced a 12.4%
improvement in VO₂max (p<0.01) and a 3.8% reduction in body fat percentage (p<0.05). After 12
weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements showed significant improvements
in HDL levels (p<0.01), reductions in LDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose
(p<0.05). Inflammatory markers CRP and IL-6 also decreased significantly compared to baseline
(p<0.01), while no significant changes were observed in the control group. VO₂max improved by
12.4% (p<0.01) and body fat percentage decreased by 3.8% (p<0.05) in the intervention group.
Conclusion: Aquarobics is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for improving metabolic
profile and reducing systemic inflammation in obese adults. This water-based intervention can be
recommended as a safe, accessible exercise modality for obesity management and cardiometabolic
risk reduction.
