Fig. 2.

Chronic effects of exercise on key peripheral organs involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and associated whole-body metabolic effects and systemic health effects.

Exercise training improves VO_2max, decreases resting heart rate and blood pressure, and increases total muscle mass. Microvascular network is expanded and microvascular dilatory response is improved. Beta cell function is improved along with a greater blood glucose uptake by muscle, adipose tissue and liver and peripheral tissue insulin sensitivity is ameliorated. Capacity for mobilisation of NEFA from adipose tissue is improved along with a greater capacity of liver for glucose production and decrease in de novo lipogenesis. Capacity for oxidising fat in liver and muscle in association with greater mitochondrial oxidative capacity, biogenesis and dynamic. This results in reduced visceral adipose tissue depots and ectopic fat storage. Altogether these structural, functional and metabolic adaptations improve aerobic capacity, whole-body insulin sensitivity, glucose control, oxidative capacity and reduce triglycerolaemia and chronic inflammation. These changes reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, NAFL and CV diseases, the metabolic syndrome, obesity and, ultimately, early mortality.

CV, cardiovascular; IMTG, intramuscular triacylglycerols; TG, triacylglycerols.