Effects of 8 weeks of aerobic training on Agouti-related peptide, appetite hormones and insulin resistance in overweight sedentary women

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic training on Agouti-related peptide, appetite hormones and insulin resistance in overweight sedentary women. Materials and Methods: Thirty overweight female students (25≥BMI≤30) were selected and randomly divided into training and control groups. Before the start of exercise period, and 48 h after their last exercise session, subjects completed the food frequency questionnaire. Then after blood sampling, their anthropometric characteristics were measured. The training group participated in 8 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic training while the control group continued their normal daily activities. Results: Agouti-related protein significantly increased in the exercise group (p<0.05). Significant changes were also observed between the two groups (p<0.05); however, changes in leptin, insulin and insulin resistance were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Training significantly reduces energy intake and fat intake (p<0.05) and carbohydrate intake (p<0.05). The changes between the two groups showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: Although 8 weeks of moderate intensity aerobic training led to a decrease in calorie, fat and carbohydrate intake, these changes were not significantly different from the control group. Agoutirelated protein changes may affect factors other than appetite. It appears that nutritional education or program can lead to more effective results if combined with exercise program.