Moderate physical activity permits acute coupling between serum leptin and appetite-satiety measures in obese women

To investigate whether moderate physical activity or snack intake influence appetite sensations and subsequent food intake in obese women. Associations between serum leptin and appetite ratings were also investigated.

In all, 10 obese women (mean age+/-s.d.: 50.0+/-8.5 y; mean body mass index (BMI)+/-s.d.: 37.2+/-6.5 kg m(-2)) were submitted in random order to three trials: Moderate physical activity (20 min brisk walking), Snack (58.5 g chocolate-based) and Control (sitting, TV-watching). Appetite and satiety were assessed by visual analogue scales, and serum leptin, blood glucose and plasma free fatty acids were measured at baseline, pre- and postintervention and 1 h postintervention (ie, before dinner). A buffet-style dinner was provided subsequent to the three trials.

The moderate physical activity and snack intake both produced lower appetite and higher satiety and fullness perceptions, compared to control, following the intervention. No significant differences were found in subsequent food intake. Serum leptin concentrations did not differ between trials. Serum leptin was not associated with appetite or satiety sensations at any time during the control or the snack trials, but was correlated following moderate physical activity (prospective food consumption r(s)=-0.83, P=0.003; hunger r(s)=-0.79, P=0.007; desire to eat r(s)=-0.69, P=0.02; satiety r(s)=0.71, P=0.02; fullness r(s)=0.66, P=0.04). These associations were not influenced by BMI or fat mass.

Moderate physical activity and snack intake suppress the appetite of obese women acutely. The associations between circulating leptin and appetite-satiety ratings suggest leptin involvement in short-term appetite regulation in response to physical activity-induced factors.