Given the rising prevalence of obesity and overweight in recent decades and their associated metabolic and cardiovascular complications, identifying effective strategies for prevention and management has become a public health priority. Obesity is linked to lipid metabolism disorders, elevated blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and insulin resistance. In this context, aerobic exercise and the use of herbal supplements such as quercetin have gained attention as non-pharmacological interventions.
Quercetin, a natural flavonoid found in fruits and vegetables, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. It exerts its effects on adipose tissue through molecular pathways such as SIRT1 and AMPK activation. However, studies have reported conflicting results regarding its impact on lipid profiles, blood pressure, and glucose levels. While some meta-analyses have shown significant improvements in HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), and blood pressure, others have found no notable effects.
On the other hand, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise has also proven effective in reducing inflammation, improving oxidative stress, and regulating blood pressure. Given the individual benefits of these interventions, the present study investigates the potential synergistic effects of aerobic exercise and quercetin supplementation on improving lipid profiles and blood pressure in obese individuals. The primary aim is to compare the combined efficacy of these two interventions with each one independently and assess their impact on metabolic and cardiovascular markers in overweight individuals.