Comparison of the effect of high intensity interval and moderate continuous trainings along with peppermint extract consumption on body composition and Nesfatin-1 in overweight men

An inactive lifestyle is associated with an increased risk of obesity, increased insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases while nutritional interventions along with the implementation of exercise programs, can be considered as a modify controlling of these impairments.  The aim of this study was to compare the effect of high intensity interval (HIIT) and moderate intensity continuous (MICT) training along with peppermint extract consumption on body composition and serum level of Nesfatin-1 in overweight men.

Forty eight non-athletes healthy overweight men  25 to 35 years old, body mass index of 25 to 30 kg/m2  were purposefully selected and randomly divided into six groups including: 1) placebo, 2) peppermint, 3) MICT + placebo, 4) HIIT + placebo, 5) MICT + peppermint, and 6) HIIT + peppermint (n=8 in each group). Interventions were performed for six weeks. MICT and HIIT protocols were implemented with an intensity of 60-75% and 90-100% of the maximum heart rate of the reserve, respectively, with repetition of three sessions a week, and the supplement groups also consumed 50 microliters of peppermint essential oil in combination with 500 ml of water. Data were analyzed through SPSS18 using a mixed-design analysis of variance in a six groups and two times at p≤0.05 level.

The MICT and HIIT (both) significantly reduced the percentage of body fat in overweight men (p<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in the amount of lean body mass and Nesfatin-1 (p>0.05).

Six-week of intervention with consumption of peppermint essential oil (with consumed dose) separately and in combination with MICT and HIIT were not enough for improvement of Nesfatin-1 and lean body mass in overweight men.