Diet and exercise interventions improve health markers in individuals with an increased risk of disease

INTERVENTION: The two phases of the crossover design included a carbohydrate‐restricted Paleolithic‐based diet with sedentary behavior (CRPD‐Sed) and a carbohydrate‐restricted Paleolithic‐based diet with high intensity interval training (CRPD‐Ex). Both phases were 4 weeks in duration and separated by a 4‐week washout period during which subjects returned to baseline behaviors. CONDITION: Metabolic syndrome, according to the National Cholesterol Education Program‐Adult Treatment Panel III ; Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine ; Metabolic syndrome PRIMARY OUTCOME: Cardiovascular and metabolic health were assessed following 4 weeks of diet or diet and exercise intervention. Blood was collected at 0, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Assessments included lipoprotein markers (Cholestech LDX® system), adiposity (hydrostatic weighing), metabolic markers (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) and VO2max (peak exercise test). SECONDARY OUTCOME: Cognition functioning was assessed using Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor protein content (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay), performance on the Stroop Test, as well as a self‐reported measure of cognitive symptoms and function (Medical Outcomes Study Cognitive Functional Scale).; ; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged 18‐60 years 2. Metabolic syndrome (MetS), according to the National Cholesterol Education Program‐Adult Treatment Panel III. 3. Stable weight for at least 3 months 4. Relatively sedentary (defined as engaged in exercise <30 min/day or VO2 peak <45 ml/kg/min)