Forty-one studies were included (1,715 pooled participants: 1,022 in the exercise group and 693 in the control group).
The scores for study quality ranged from 1 to 5 (median score 1).
A statistically significant reduction in TC of approximately 2% was observed in participants in the aerobic exercise group (mean -4.3, 95% confidence interval, CI: -6.9, -1.7, p<0.001). There was no evidence of publication bias (p=0.37).
A statistically significant increase in HDL-C of approximately 3% was observed in participants in the exercise group (mean 1.8, 95% CI: 0.1, 3.5, p<0.001). There was no evidence of publication bias (p=0.25).
A statistically significant reduction in LDL-C of approximately 3% was observed in participants in the exercise group (mean -4.4, 95% CI: -6.5, -2.2, p<0.001). There was no evidence of publication bias (p=0.46).
A statistically significant decrease in TG of approximately 5% was observed in participants in the exercise group. There was no evidence of publication bias (p=0.31).
There were no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences in TC, HDL-C, LDL-C or TG between premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and those studies in which all participants were not taking any type of medication that could affect lipids and lipoproteins.
In terms of secondary outcomes, a 2% decrease in both body weight and BMI was found in the exercise group, in addition to a 4% decrease in body fat. There was also a statistically significant increase of approximately 13% for VO 2max in this group.