Acute effect of exercise on appetite-related factors in males with obesity: A pilot study

To investigate the role of appetite-related factors, including interleukin 6 (IL-6), irisin, interleukin 7 (IL-7), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and leptin, on appetite perception in males with obesity. Eleven males (BMI 35.3 ± 4.2 kg/m², V̇O_2peak 29 ± 3.1 mL/kg/min) participated in two experimental trials (MICE: 60 min of cycling at 60% of V̇O_2peak; CTRL: 60 min of quiet resting) using a crossover design. Appetite parameters, including IL-6, IL-7, irisin, and leptin, were measured. Additionally, appetite perception was assessed. IL-6 concentration increased significantly immediately post-exercise (95% CI: [2.207-12.192] pg/mL, p = 0.007) and remained elevated 1 hour post-exercise (95% CI: [2.326-11.855] pg/mL, p = 0.006) compared to CTRL. Irisin also rose significantly immediately post-exercise (95% CI: [0.084-3.061] ng/mL, p = 0.039). NPY decreased significantly 1 h post-exercise (95% CI: [(-20.601) - (-1.380)] ng/L, p = 0.027). No significant differences were observed for IL-7 (p = 0.748, ${\eta }_p^2$ = 0.077) and leptin (p = 0.285, ${\eta }_p^2=0.061$ ). Appetite perceptions were suppressed immediately post-exercise (95% CI: [3.407-19.547] mm, p = 0.008) compared to CTRL. Sixty minutes of MICE increased IL-6 and irisin concentrations while suppressed NPY and appetite perceptions in males with obesity.