BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise intensity on serum leptin levels in obese/overweight women. METHODS: A total number of 45 obese/overweight women (body mass index >= 25 to 30 kg/m2) were selected from patients who referred to the Iranian Health Clinic (Isfahan, Iran). Serum leptin levels of patients were evaluated before eating breakfast. Their body fat percentage was also measured. Participants were randomized into 3 groups of moderate aerobic exercise (45 to 50% maximum heartrate reserve (HRRmax)), intense aerobic exercise (70 to 75% HRRmax), control group (without training). Training included three 60-minute aerobic exercise sessions a week and lasted for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks, the variables were reassessed. Pre- and post-test data was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe's test. FINDINGS: Our results showed that moderate and intense aerobic exercise had significant effects on body weight (p < 0.001), body fat percentage (p < 0.03), body mass index (p < 0.001), and serum leptin levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This research suggests that aerobic exercise training with higher intensity can better reduce serum leptin levels and body fat percentage.

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