The Effect of High Intensity Interval Training on Serum Levels of FGF21, Insulin Resistance and Lipid Profile in Sedentary Obese Women

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is one of the metabolism hormones which is secreted from different tissues, plays a role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and improves glucose hemostasis, fat parameters and weight loss. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on serum levels of FGF21, lipid profile and insulin resistance in sedentary obese women. 20 sedentary obese women (mean age 30.15±2.96 years and BMI 30.34±1.27 Kg/m2) volunteered to participate in the study and were randomly assigned to HIIT and control groups (each group 10 subjects). HIIT program was conducted for 8 weeks, 3 sessions each week with 90% target heart rate. The research data were analyzed by independent and dependent t tests at P<0.05. The results of the statistical analysis showed that HIIT program significantly increased serum levels of FGF21 and HLD-C (P<0.05) and significantly decreased insulin resistance, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and CO/HDL in sedentary obese women. Also, the results of independent t test showed a significant difference between HIIT and control groups in FGF21 and glucose levels (P<0.05). According to the results of this study, it seems that high intensity interval training (HIIT) may play an influential role in glucose hemostasis, decreasing fat mass, and increasing energy expenditure through an increase in FGF21 levels and therefore may be considered to prevent obesity and improve  insulin resistance marker.