increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and increased maximum
oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) [6]. Exercise training also has been
shown to improve lipid profile in adolescent males [7]. Addi-
tionally, regular exercise may cause a gradual reduction of serum
triacylglycerols (TGs), total cholesterol (TC), low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), body mass index (BMI) and body fat,
and an increase of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). Aerobic exercise
seems more effective than other forms of exercise in reducing
body fat [8]. A calorie-restricted diet has been shown to improve
serum lipid profile, which if combined with exercise, is targeted
at improving body composition [4]. The effectiveness of both
aerobic exercise and resistance training in controlling and
improving cholesterol levels through various modalities,
frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise has been
demonstrated in different populations [9]. Genetic factors may be
important in terms of the response to diet; for example it has
been reported that Thr54 allele carriers responded better to a
moderate fat diet decreasing somatometric variables and
C-reactive protein