Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Obesity and Overweight decrease plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin. Studies on the effects of exercise on ghrelin and obestatin, especially in human, are few and limited. The aim of this study was assessing effect of 12 weeks combined exercise (Aerobic-resistance) on plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin in obese adolescents.

Methods: Thirty obese adolescents were willing to cooperate voluntarily; they were randomly divided in two groups: experimental group (BMI 31.046±3.55Kg/m2, BF% 34.74±2.71) and control group (BMI 30.404±3.198Kg/m2, BF% 35.06±2.465). Then, the experimental group received combined exercise program aerobic training consisted of running on a treadmill for 20 minutes at 60-70% of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and (intensity resistance training 70% of one repetition maximum (1RM) for 2 sets of 10 repetitions per movement) for 12 weeks (three sessions per week). The control group received no intervention but were followed. Variables including weight, body fat percentage, BMI, VO2max were measured in both groups before and after exercises. Blood samples were collected in two stages, 48 hours before and after exercise to measure of plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin. Paired t-test was used for intergroup comparisons and independent t-test was used for comparison between the two groups. All statistical calculations were performed through SPSS software version 19.

Results: The findings showed that values of weight, body fat percentage, BMI performed after 12 weeks of combined exercise (aerobic - resistance) significantly decreased. VO2max, plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin significantly increased (p<0.05).

Conclusion: We can conclude that 12 weeks of combined exercise (aerobic - resistance) reduced weight, body fat percentage, and BMI; while it increased plasma levels of ghrelin and obestatin.