INTRODUCTION / OBJECTIVE:
This study had the purpose of verifying the influence of aerobic physical exercise associated with resistance exercise on serum leptin levels and body fat percentage of overweight or obese adults.
METHODS:
The sample was comprised of 15 people, five men and 10 women, with a mean age of 52 years, overweight or obese according to the World Health Organization. The physical exercise program was performed three times a week for 14 weeks. It consisted of stretching, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate intensity and localized muscle endurance exercises. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Student's "t" test, adopting a significance level of 5%.
RESULTS:
The results showed reduction in body weight, body mass index (BMI) and leptinemia in response to physical activities, but only the reduction in leptinemia was statistically significant (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION:
the exercise protocol used was effective in reducing serum leptin levels in overweight or obese adults. It is believed that a longer time of intervention with physical exercise brings better results on body composition and normalization of serum leptinemia.
leptin; exercise; obesity