Fasted Exercise and LDL-C

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the UK and worldwide with low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) being one of the most important modifiable risk factors. Physical activity is inexpensive and research shows that it consistently improves high density lipoprotein and triglyceride concentrations. However, fails to improve LDL-C concentrations. Preliminary research suggests fasted exercise could potentially improve LDL-C concentrations. The majority of research in these areas have also mostly been done in males with the results generalised to females. As it is known that lipid metabolism and CVD risk is different between sexes it is possible that the response to fasted exercise may also be different between sexes. This aim of this study is to assess the effect of physical activity performed before or after a meal on plasma LDL-C concentrations in men and women and explore sex differences. The study will also assess the effect of fasted exercise on other CVD risk factors.