Changes in lipocalin-2 levels after resistance training (RT) and consumption of spirulina microalgae in overweight and obese men

One of the effective ways to control weight is to use regular exercise and benefit from herbal supplements. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in lipocalin-2 levels after resistance training (RC) and consumption of spirulina microalgae in overweight and obese men.

The present study was a single-blind, quasi-experimental and applied control clinical trial. 60 men with an age range of 30 to 55 years and a body mass index of more than 25 (kg/m2) overweight and obese, were purposefully selected and randomly selected (with alternatives) in four groups: Training + Spirulina, Training + Placebo, spirulina and placebo were included. The intervention and placebo groups took two 500 mg spirulina and placebo capsules daily for eight weeks, respectively. (RT) was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week.

Plasma lipocalin-2 and body weight showed a significant difference between the groups (P<0.05). Also, lipocalin-2 values ​​in training + spirulina group and fat percentage in training + spirulina, training + placebo groups, decreased significantly. Pure and net body mass increased significantly in the training + spirulina group (P<0.05).

It seems that spirulina supplementation combined with (RT) can be effective in controlling weight and obesity by reducing the amount of lipocalin-2 and some indicators of body composition.