Table 1 Eligibility of study participants

1. Age 18–80 yr

2. White race

3. Physically inactive (defined as not meeting the current guidelines of 2.5 h of physical activity per wk)

4. Waist-to-height ratio ≥ 1:2 and/or waist circumference ≥ 88/102 cm (for women/men)

5. Permitted medicine should be taken at a stable dose during at least 4 wk prior to randomization and preferably remaining stable during the study.

1. Diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol or fasting glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L)

2. Pregnancy

3. Ischaemic heart disease

4. Atrial fibrillation

5. Treatment with:

 a. NSAIDs on a daily basis

 b. Biologic rheumatic drugs

 c. Systemic prednisolone

 d. Other immunotherapy

6. Health conditions that prevent individuals from participating in the exercise training intervention

7. Subjects who cannot undergo MRI scans (e.g., owing to kidney disease, metallic implants or claustrophobia)