The Effect of Aerobic Training and Spirulina on Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY in Overweight Elderly Men: A randomized trial

Research has shown that aging affects appetite and energy intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of aerobic training (AT) and spirulina (SP) on Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY (PYY) in overweight elderly men.

In this clinical trial study, 32 overweight elderly men (age 57.50±4.84 years, Body mass index: BMI 26.90±2.85 kg/m2) in public and administrative centers of Bandar-e-Anzali were selected and randomly divided into four groups including Overweight (OW), Overweight-Aerobic Training (OWAT), Overweight-Spirulina (OWSP), and Overweight-Aerobic Training -Spirulina (OWATSP). AT, including running on treadmill was performed three sessions per week with intensity of 70 - 85% of maximum heart rate for eight weeks. The groups of OWSP and OWATSP were provided two 500 mg SP tablets daily in the morning and evening. Serum Nesfatin-1 and PYY levels were measured using the kit and ELISA method. Data were tested using independent samples t-test and ANCOVA at a significance level of p <0.05

Mean weight and BMI in the groups of aerobic exercise, spirulina and exercise- spirulina decreased significantly (P<0.05). The results showed that exercise, spirulina and exercise-spirulina caused a significant increase in Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY compared to the pretest and control group (P=0.001). Also, the Nesfatin-1 and Peptide YY level of the exercise- spirulina group was significantly higher than the spirulina group (P=0.003).  

AT intervention and daily intake of SP supplement were associated with increase in hormones affecting appetite. It was then recommended that overweight and obese elderly people use this effective combination strategy for its benefits.