Background: High intensity training could be an effective way of improving health on individuals at high metabolic risk. 

Aim: To investigate the effects of a high intensity training intervention on metabolic-related markers in sedentary women at high metabolic risk. 

Material and Methods: Forty six sedentary women with a body mass index (BMI) over 25 kg/m² were assigned to four groups, according to their metabolic profile; hyperglycemia (H, n = 12), hyperglycemia/ hypercholesterolemia (HH, n = 13), normoglycemia (N, n = 10) and normoglycemia/hypercholesterolemia (NH, n = 11). For 12 weeks and five days per week, subjects performed seven intervals of high intensity training (20 to 30 seconds) during a training session of 20 minutes. Anthropometric (body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference) and metabolic variables (glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and TG) were measured at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. 

Results: BMI and waist circumference decreased significantly after 12 weeks of intervention. Similarly, glucose decreased significantly after 12 weeks of intervention in all groups. The reduction was of higher magnitude in those groups with hyperglycemia (H = -16%, HH = -22%, N = -7,5%, NH = -9,6%). However, lipid profile (TG, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL) improved significantly only in the hypercholesterolemic groups. 

Conclusions: Physical activity programs incorporating high intensity training can improve glucose and lipid profile in women with metabolic disorders. Moreover, this benefit is greatest in those individuals with highest metabolic burden.