Effect of twelve weeks endurance training on appetite regulating hormones and cortisol in obese men

Appetite-regulating hormones play an important role in energy balance. Nesfatin-1 and Neuropeptide Y are orexigenic and anorexigenic peptides that play an important role in obesity and energy balance. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of endurance training on serum levels of nesfatin-1, neuropeptide Y and cortisol in sedentary obese men.
In this experimental study, 30 men aged between 48 to 60 years with BMI≥30 kg/m2, were randomly allocated to the endurance training and control groups. The training program consists of 12 weeks of endurance training (treadmill running) with 50-75% maximum heart rate. Blood samples were withdrawn before and 48 hours after the 12 weeks exercise for measurement of nesfatin-1, neuropeptide Y, cortisol and some inflammatory factors were performed. Paired sample t-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis.
Results revealed that after 12 weeks endurance training, the levels of cortisol decreased significantly (p=0.015). Reduction in serum nesfatin-1 was observed whereas these changes weren’t significant (p=0.060). There was no significant change in neuropeptide Y (p=0.307). Also, a significant reduction in anthropometric indices was observed in training group.
According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that 12 weeks of endurance training, despite the impact on cortisol, has no significant effects on neuropeptide Y and nesfatin 1.