Physical activity, lipid profiles and leptin.

Background: Physical activity and the component of body composition can determine lipid profiles and Leptin concentration plasma.

Method: Thirty-two untrained females (20-25 yrs.) (aged 20.9±.33 y, weight 57.50±7.52 Kg, height 159.56±4.97 cm, and BMI 22.55 ±2.51 kg.m-2), participated in our study. They randomly were divided into two equal groups, trained and control group (N.=16). The trained group was assigned to a five week aerobic training program (three times/week), with intensity 60-70% HRR (heart rate reserve). The control group continued their normal lifestyle. Body weight (BW) was measured. Body fat percent (FP) and fat mass (FM), and fat free mass (FFM) were assessed, also the concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and leptin were measured.

Results: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that BW (F=4.20, P=0.05) significantly decreased and HDL (F=43.32, P=0.01) significantly increased in the trained group (P-value<0.05), whereas we had no significant difference in BMI, FP, FM, FFM, and the serum concentration of LDL, TG, TC, and Leptin between groups and time × group interaction, after the five weeks aerobic training period (P<0.05).

Conclusions: These results suggest the five-week moderate- intensity aerobic training had significant changes in BW and HDL in young female, but had no significant impact on BMI, FP, FM, FFM, LDL, TG, TC, and Leptin concentration, which are required to increase duration or increase the intensity of physical activity.