Systemic inflammation is associated with reduced lung function in obese individuals. Whether aerobic training in obese subjects is associated with improvement in systemic inflammation and lung function is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12 week aerobic training on C- reactive protein and lung function in obese men. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three obese subjects (age: 46.19±3.9 yr, body mass index (BMI): 31.64±0.87 kg/m2) were randomly divided into aerobic training (n=12) and control (n=11) groups. A matched control group of normal weight participants (n=9) were also recruited for baseline comparison (age: 45.36±4.1 yr, BMI: 24.63±0.45 kg/m2). Aerobic training was performed 3 times weekly for 12 weeks. Body composition (computed tomography), inflammatory parameter, and pulmonary function were measured prior to and after the intervention. Results: At baseline, obese individuals had higher serum C-reactive protein and poor pulmonary function than normal weight participants (p<0.05). After a 12 week aerobic training, body weight, waist circumference, visceral fat, total abdominal fat, and C- reactive protein were significantly decreased (p<0.05). In contrast, lung function parameters were improved after the aerobic training (p<0.05). Conclusion: Aerobic training resulted in an improvement in obesity indices and lung function in obese men, and this improvement was accompanied by decreased C- reactive protein levels.

Keywords: Obesity, Inflammation, Pulmonary function, Physical activity.

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