INTRODUCTION: Non-pharmacological measures, such as practicing physical activity, have been recommended for prevention and treatment of non-transmissible chronic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To review the mechanisms by which resistance training results in metabolic and cellular alterations that act positively on metabolic syndrome risk factors. METHOD: The search was limited to the past 10 years, using the Medline, Scielo, Science direct and Capes databases. The terms used in the search were: obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, resistance training, weight lifting, and exercise. RESULTS: Resistance training affects metabolic and cellular parameters. It may have positive effects on the control and prevention of metabolic syndrome risk factors, such as reduction of body weight, increase in insulin sensitivity, increase in glucose tolerance, reduction of blood pressure levels at rest and improvement of blood lipid profile. CONCLUSION: The review gives evidence that resistance training may contribute to reduce metabolic syndrome risk factors.
Exercise; Metabolic syndrome; Obesity; Risk factors
