Research in Medicine

Background and Aim: leptin is proposed to be an important factor in energy balance and metabolism to influence body weight. So far, little research has been done on the effect of body-pumping exercises on weight loss and leptin levels. The purpose of this study was to determine whether body-pumping exercises can alter leptin levels and weight in inactive girls. Also, can ginger supplementation alter leptin levels and weight in inactive girls?

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study 48 collegiate inactive students of University of Isfahan, (BMI =28 ± 0.83, and age=23.4 ± 0.24 years) participated in this study. Subject divided into 5 groups: Training, Training & Supplements, Supplementation, Control, and Placebo. The subjects participated in moderate intensity Body Pump training three times per week and supplementary groups received 3 capsules containing 250 mg ginger, three times per day. For data analysis, ANOVA was used.

Results: Results showed a significant decrease in leptin levels and body mass index in the exercise and supplement groups compared to the pre-test (p=0.003, t=5.23, p=0.001, t=10.33). In addition, leptin levels in the exercise and supplement groups decreased significantly more than the exercise group alone (p=0.002, F=13.11).

Conclusion: It seems Body Pump Training combined with ginger supplementation leads to changes in weight loss and leptin levels.