Abstract
Background: Leptin acts as a warning mechanism in the regulation of cell metabolism, body fat and metabolic syndrome disease. This study aimed at investigating the effects of 12 weeks of high intensity interval training on the levels of plasma leptin, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and body composition in overweight men.
Methods: In this clinical trial study, 20 students with a body mass index between 25 and 30 kg / m2 were purposefully selected; and they were randomly divided into two groups: one experimental group and one control group. The experimental group practiced with the intensity of 90 percent of maximum heart beat 3 sessions per week for twelve weeks. Before and after exercise, the leptin level of plasma, insulin, glucose, insulin resistance and body mass index were calculated. The data were analyzed by using T-test at a significance level of P>0.05.
Results: 12 weeks of high intensity interval training can reduce the leptin level of plasma (P=0.0002), insulin (P=0.003) glucose, Insulin Resistance (P=0.0001) and (P=0.013) in the experimental group compared to control group. Moreover, body weight (P=0.008), percentage of fat (P=0.001), BMI (P=0.03) and WHR (P=0.02) also decreased significantly between the two groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: It seems that 12 weeks of high intensive interval training program as a non-invasive, non-pharmacologic procedure can positively reduce the leptin level and some anthropometric indicators relating to obesity and overweight.