Effect of Resistance Training on Appetite Regulation and Level of Related Peptidesin Sedentary Healthy Men

Resistance training is a key component of exercise recommendations for weight control, yet very little is known about the effects of resistance training on appetite and related peptides. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of resistance training on appetite and circulating acyl ghrelin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and orexin in sedentary men.

This study included 20 sedentary men (mean age: 21.6±3.5 year, body mass index: 23.1±2.7 kg/m2) who were equally divided into a control group and a resistance training group. Participants in the training group performed the whole body exercises three sessions per week with 3-4 sets of 8-10 repetitions at 60-85% one-repetition maximum. Participants in the control group performed no resistance training. Fasting blood samples were taken before starting the study and 72 hours after the last session of resistance training for evaluation of serum acyl ghrelin, NPY, and orexin levels. In addition, perceived appetite was assessed by visual analogue scale while fasting.

Statistical analysis showed that fasting acyl ghrelin and NPY were not changed by resistance training, but serum orexin level elevated by 40% in response to training (P=0.01). Appetite was not significantly different between the two groups at baseline (P=0.9). However, appetite significantly increased after resistance training (P=0.001).

Results of the present study show that the 8-week resistance training increases perceived appetite by orexin promotion in previously sedentary men.