Comparative Effects of Rosuvastatin and Resistance-Band Exercise on Lipid Profile and Obesity Parameters in Obese Adults with Dyslipidemia in Multan: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effects of rosuvastatin and a supervised resistance-band exercise program on lipid profile, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and health-related quality of life in obese adults with dyslipidemia. Methodology: A randomized, parallel-group, active-controlled trial was conducted between October 2024 and April 2025. Participants received either rosuvastatin 5 mg daily (Group A) or a supervised resistance-band exercise program performed three times weekly for 10 weeks (Group B). Primary outcomes included changes in lipid profile parameters, while secondary outcomes included blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, hip circumference, and quality of life assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Outcomes were measured at baseline, week 5, and week 10. Results: Both interventions were associated with significant improvements over time in cardiometabolic, anthropometric, and quality-of-life outcomes (p ≤ 0.005). Rosuvastatin resulted in significantly greater reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol compared with resistance-band exercise (p < 0.001). In contrast, resistance-band exercise produced significantly greater improvements in body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and hip circumference (p < 0.001). Improvements in quality of life modestly favored the exercise group (p = 0.046). No significant between-group differences were observed for triglycerides or HDL cholesterol. Conclusion: Both rosuvastatin and resistance-band exercise were effective in improving lipid profiles and cardiometabolic health in obese adults with dyslipidemia. Pharmacological therapy demonstrated superior lipid-lowering and blood pressure effects, whereas structured resistance exercise provided greater benefits for body composition and quality of life.