Comparing the Effects of Aerobic Exercises of High and Moderate Intensity on Serum Leptin Levels and Capacity of Fat Oxidation among Young Obese Girls

Overweight and obesity as health issues have now received researchers'' attention globally. The present study is a comparative investigation into the impact of two methods of high and moderate aerobic exercises on serum leptin levels and fat oxidation. Fourteen obese females at a mean age of 22. 08 ± 6. 2 years، body mass of 78 ±12. 72 kg، height of 161. 34 ± 6. 5 cm، fat percentage of 36. 46 ± 2. 68%، and body mass index of 30 ± 4. 77 kg/m2 were randomly selected. The participants were divided into two groups: the high-intensity aerobic training group of 85 - 95% HRmax per 33-minute workout and the moderate-intensity aerobic training group of 50 - 70% HRmax per 41-minute workout. The exercises were carried out on 3 weekdays for 8 weeks at the same energy level. For statistical data analysis، the independent/paired t-test of a = 0. 05 was applied. The results indicated a significant increase in fat oxidation in the high-intensity training group (p value = 0. 03) and a considerable decrease in leptin in the moderate-intensity training group (p value = 0. 03). In the latter group، a significant fall in the fat percentage coincided with no decrease in leptin (p value = 0. 03). Apparently، moderate-intensity aerobic training not only reduces the fat mass but also impacts the secretion of leptin. However، high-intensity aerobic training increases oxidation potentiality، followed by fat oxidation.