No Changes in Appetite-Related Hormones Following Swimming and Cycling Exercise Interventions in Adults with Obesity

Swimming is a favorable and ideal modality of exercise for individuals with obesity and arthritis as it encompasses a minimal weight-bearing stress and a reduced heat load. However, the available evidence indicates that regular swimming may not be effective in reducing body weight and body fatness. A current hypothesis is that exercise in cold water stimulates appetite. We determined the effect of swimming training on appetite-related hormones. Thirty-nine adults with obesity and osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of supervised swimming or cycling training. In the initial few weeks, participants exercised for 20-30 minutes/day, 3 days/week, at an exercise intensity of 40-50% of heart rate reserve (HRR). Subsequently, the intensity and duration of exercise were progressively increased to 40-45 minutes/day, 3 days/week, at an intensity of 60-70% of HRR. Fasting plasma concentrations of ghrelin, insulin, leptin, and peptide YY did not change with the swimming or cycling exercise training (p>0.05). Swimming exercise did not negatively influence appetite-related hormones in adults with obesity and osteoarthritis to impair weight loss.