Comparison of the Agouti Dependent Protein and Neuropeptide Y Response to the High Intensity Interval Training in Obese and Underweight Men

Objective: Appetite regulation has a great impact on energy homeostasis. This study aimed to compare the response agouti-related protein (AGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) to a single high intensity interval training (HIIT) in obese and underweight men. Materials and Methods: This semi-experimental research conducted on 40 obese and underweight men who were divided into four groups including experimental groups (10 obese, and 10 underweight men) and control groups (10 obese, and 10 underweight controls). Both groups were evaluated by biochemical measurements in two stages of pre-test and post-test. HIIT was carried out to the experimental groups during one session. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and T-test using SPSS 21 software. Results: NPY levels showed a significant difference in pre and post-test in both experimental groups, NPY increased 6.14% in obese men and 25.50% in underweight men, which was significant in both obese (P-value= 0.002) and underweight (P-value= 0.007) groups. In addition, AGRP levels increased 1.91% in obese men and 6.65% in underweight men, although this was not significant (P-value= 0.098). However, no significant differences were observed among groups in the levels of NPY and AGRP (P-value= 0.114). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that HIIT can increase the amount of AGRP and NPY in obese and underweight men. Therefore, appetite neuropeptides increase after a training session, which should be considered in the balance of energy and food intake after exercise.