The effects of spirulina under high-intensity interval training on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females: A randomized, controlled, single-blind trial.

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effects of spirulina under high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on levels of nesfatin-1, omentin-1, and lipid profiles in overweight and obese females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a randomized, quasi-experimental controlled, single-blind with a pre- and post-test design, in which twenty overweight and obese women (body mass index = 29.32 ± 3.01 kg/m, age = 21.55 ± 1.76 years), were randomly divided into the following groups: HIIT + spirulina ( = 10) and HIIT + placebo ( = 10). Running anaerobic sprint test was used for HIIT protocol consisting of six intervals at 35 m maximal speed runs, with a rest of 10 s in each trial (3 times/week, 4 weeks). HIIT + spirulina group received 500 mg of the spirulina pills twice daily for 4 weeks and the second group took placebo.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in serum levels of nesfatin-1 in HIIT + spirulina ( < 0.0001) but not in HIIT + placebo ( = 0.61) group. Furthermore, results indicated a significant difference between two groups with respect to serum levels of nesfatin-1 ( = 0.04). Serum levels of omentin-1 significantly increased in both groups ( < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between two groups ( = 0.49). In addition, results showed no significant inter- and intra-group differences in total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol between groups ( > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The spirulina under HIIT increased levels of nesfatin-1 and omentin-1 with no effects on the levels of lipid profiles in overweight and obese females.