Association of Hibiscus sabdariffa and high-intensity interval training induces reduction in adiposity and beneficial metabolic adaptations in obesity without changes in lipid metabolism.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has stood out as a treatment for obesity, leading to adaptations of the cardiovascular system and reducing body adiposity. In addition, the search for alternative therapies for weight loss has intensified. The administration of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) has been described as an efficient supplement in weight loss and in the treatment of metabolic changes associated with obesity. In this context, the objective was to investigate the effects of the association of Hs and HIIT on metabolic adaptations and lipid metabolism in obese rats. Wistars rats were subjected to obesity and subsequently randomized into 4 groups: obese (Ob), obese + HS (ObHs), obese + HIIT (ObHIIT), and obese + HS + HIIT (ObHsHIIT). For 8 weeks, ObHs and ObHsHIIT rats received Hs extract daily (150 mg/kg of body weight) and trained groups (ObHIIT and ObHsHIIT) were subjected to a HIIT program on a treadmill. Nutritional profile, glycemic curve, biochemical profile, and liver glycogen were determined. HIIT decreased caloric intake, feed efficiency, body adiposity, total body fat, and body weight gain, associated with improvements in physical performance parameters and a smaller glycemic curve and area. Hs had a hepatoprotective effect, reducing alkaline phosphatase values, but its effects were more pronounced when associated with HIIT. Therefore, the combination of treatments promoted a reduction in food consumption and body adiposity, as well as an improvement in physical performance and glycemic profile, but without changes in lipid metabolism.