Comparison of the Effect of Concurrent Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training and High-Intensity Interval Training with High-Intensity Interval Training Alone on Body Composition, Cortisol and Mental Health of Overweight 16-19-Year-old Male Students

Introduction: Being overweight is associated with increased cortisol secretion, along with heightened anxiety and depression.This study aimed to compare the effect of six weeks of concurrent moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with HIIT training alone on body composition, plasma cortisol levels, and anxiety and depression levels in overweight male students.Methods: In this semi-experimental research, 27 overweight students were selected and randomly divided into three groups 9: MICT+HIIT concurrent training, HIIT training, and a control group.The MICT )15 minutes of exercise per day at 60-65% of maximum heart rate with an additional 5 minutes every two weeks).The HIIT (3 minutes of running at 70-75% of maximum heart rate, followed by 3 minutes of active rest at 50% of maximum heart rate, with three repetitions in the first two weeks, four repetitions in the second two weeks, and five repetitions in the final two weeks).Results: Both types of training protocols resulted in reductions in weight, body mass index, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, cortisol levels, anxiety, depression, and an increase in highdensity lipoprotein (P < 0.05).There was no significant difference between the two types of exercise in terms of effectiveness on these variables; however, only peak oxygen consumption and triglycerides were associated with better changes in the MICT+HIIT group.Conclusions: For overweight male adolescents aiming for weight loss and improved mental health, HIIT alone is sufficient, and adding MICT does not provide additional clinical benefits.