Effects of eight weeks of aerobic activity with omega-3s on the ghrelin and insulin hormones and body weight in men

The normal amount of the hormones ghrelin and insulin play an important role in energy balance, regulation of weight, and prevention of type 2diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of aerobic activity on hormones ghrelin and insulin and weight in men.

In this semi-experimental study, 80 young men with an average age of 24.25±1.73 years, weight 74.23 were divided into four groups, Exercise – supplementation (ES), exercise (E), supplementation (S) and control groups (C). The subjects of the ES and E groups participated in an aerobic exercise program with an intensity of 65-75% of maximum oxygen consumption (Vo2 max) for 3 sessions per week and for 8 weeks. Subjects in the ES and S group was given 21 omega-3 capsules (one gram each capsule) each week to take 3 times a day after each main meal for 8 weeks. At baseline and at the end of 8 weeks, the levels of the hormones ghrelin and insulin were measured by blood samples by ELISA method and also weight was measure.

The results of the analysis of variance test showed that after 8 weeks, the total amount of ghrelin and insulin respectively, in the ES groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.001), E (p = 0.001, p = 0.001) and S (p = 0.045, p = 0.016) increased and decreased significantly. There was no change in the levels of ghrelin and insulin in the control group (p = 0.621). Also weight in the ES group (p =0.005), E (p = 032) and S (p = 0.034) decreased significantly. No change was observed in C group.

Based on the results, it was found that physical exercise alone and physical exercise along with omega-3 supplementation cause significant changes in the levels of ghrelin and insulin hormones and weight in young men. These changes may help control and prevent diabetes and its complications.