Abstract

Endocrine derangement and oxidative stress are two distinguishing features of obesity that have limited the success rate of various management strategies, especially physical activities. The objective of the current study was to examine the effect of 8 weeks of moderate-intensity regular exercise training on oxidative stress, appetite and weight loss in obese women compared with normal-weight women. Sixteen normal-weight (body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m²) and fifteen obese women (BMI > 30 kg/m²) exercised on the bicycle ergometer at moderate intensity for 30 min, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the first day of training and 72 h after the completion of the training program which were then used for the measurement of F2-Isoprostanes, glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), leptin, adiponectin and nesfatin-1. Eight (8) weeks of training resulted in lower BMI, insulin, GSSG (P < 0.05), leptin (P < 0.01), and F2-Isoprostanes (P < 0.001) and higher nesfatin-1 levels (P < 0.01) relative to the levels at the pre-test stage in obese women. Also ∆leptin levels after exercise were positively correlated with ∆F2-Isoprostanes and ∆BMI. Eight weeks of moderate-intensity regular exercise program did not only induce weight loss and improve oxidative stress, but also modified insulin, leptin and nesfatin-1 concentrations, particularly in obese women.

Key words: Endocrine derangement, oxidative stress, obesity, exercise, weight loss, leptin, nesfatin-1.