The Effect of High Intensity Training (HIT) on Serum Levels of Adiponectin and Leptin in Obese Children

The incidence of obesity in children is increasing rapidly and it has been known that exercise training has beneficial effects on weight loss via modification of the synthesis factors of adipocyte. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 8 weeks of high intensity training (HIT) on serum levels of adiponectin and leptin in obese children. 17 obese children (mean age 9.58±0.35 and body mass index (BMI) 29.89±0.95) performed HIT including 30-second intensive running bouts and 1.5 min. of active rest for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Number of bouts increased from 6 in the first week to 10 in the latter week. Results showed significant differences before and after HIT in leptin (P=0.001), adiponectin (P=0.0001) and BMI (P=0.0001). Also, there was a strong direct correlation between BMI and leptin (r=0.85) and reverse correlation with adiponectin (r= -0.68). HIT reduced BMI and body mass. Due to the strong relationship between BMI and selected adipokines, it can be stated that HIT can decrease serum levels of leptin and increase adiponectin in children via reduced fat mass. So, HIT with necessary cautions in obese children can have beneficial effects.