The Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training on GLP-1, Appetite, and Weight in Obese Rats

Appetite is an essential factor in obesity. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on GLP-1, appetite, and weight of obese mice while maintaining a high caloric diet. 

A total of 24 C57BL/6 mice with a Mean±SD weight of 20.7±1 g were selected. After implementing a high caloric dieting and making them fat (Mean±SD weight: 30.95±3.23 g), they were divided into two groups of training and control. A high caloric diet was maintained for both groups (training and control) until the end of the experiment, while the training group performed HIIT for 8 weeks. Every session of HIIT included 30 minutes of exercise with a progressive intensity of 50% to 60% in low-intensity intervals and 80% to 90% in high-intensity intervals. The independent t test and analysis of variance with repeated measures were used for data analysis. 

 Findings of the study indicated that GLP-1 increased significantly in the HIIT training group compared to the control group (P<0.05). In the HIIT group, body weight was significantly higher (P<0.001), and food intake was significantly lower (P<0.001) than those in the control group.

When consuming high-calorie food, HIIT training can probably cause weight loss through reducing appetite mediated by increasing GLP-1