Fifteen studies (1,692 participants) were included in the review. Eight studies were RCTs, one was a longitudinal study and six were described as experimental designs. One RCT was reported as double blind.
Studies with exercise only intervention arms (five studies): Exercise programmes reduced body weight, body fat percentage, total fat, intra-abdominal fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat, bioelectrical impedance assessment, hip size and waist to hip ratio.
Studies with diet-only intervention arms (five studies): Dietary interventions reduced body weight and fat-free mass only.
Studies with combined diet and exercise arms (nine studies): Combined diet and exercise reduced body weight, body fat percentage, visceral adipose tissue, leptin, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, fasting plasma glucose, insulin and triglycerides.