Effects of High-Intensity Training Upon Appetite, Body Mass, Aerobic Capacity, and Metabolic Hormones in Overweight Women

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of high-intensity exercise training on appetite, body mass, maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max), leptin, and acylated ghrelin in overweight women. Methods: Twenty-five women aged 25-45 years (35.4 +/- 6.9 years; 74.2 +/- 7.6 kg) were randomly assigned into high-intensity exercise training (n = 15) and control (n = 10) groups. Data assessment included body mass, skinfolds, appetite questionnaire, 1-mile Rockport Walk Test, and blood sample collection. High-intensity exercise training consisted of running an intensity corresponding to 80%-85% maximal heart rate, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Results: Estimated maximal aerobic capacity increased in high-intensity exercise training vs. controls (P =.01). Body mass, estimated fat percentage, plasma leptin, and acylated ghrelin remained stable. No difference pre- vs. post-intervention in appetite scores was detected between groups (P =.33). Conclusions: In conclusion, high-intensity exercise training was effective to improve aerobic capacity, but did not elicit enough negative energy balance to reduce fat mass or promoting appetite compensatory responses, nor changes in acylated ghrelin and leptin concentrations in overweight women. Further studies with longer duration and greater training volumes are warranted to ratify these findings.