The hyperleptinemia state can downregulate cardiorespiratory fitness and energy expenditure in obese women

Abstract

Introduction: In general, in obese people a state of hyperleptinemia may impair both energy balance and the inflammatory process. However, it has not been fully investigated whether there is a relationship between hyperleptinemia and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and resting energy expenditure (REE), in obese women. Methods: 83 obese women were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measures, body composition, REE, CRF and serum concentration of leptin were measured. Pearson's correlation coefficient was performed to examine the relationship between circulating leptin level and other clinical variables. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine predictors of REE and CRF. Effects were considered significant at p <= 0.05. Results: The most important finding in the present study is that the hyperleptinemia state was inversely correlated with CRF (r = -0.382, p = 0.001) and REE (r = -0.447, p < 0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation with fat mass was confirmed (r = 0.419, p < 0.001). In addition, hyperleptinemia was an independent negative predictor of REE (r(2) = -2.649, p = 0.010) and CRF (r(2) = -2.335, p = 0.023). Conclusion: Together our results may suggest a vicious cycle between the state of hyperleptinemia and a decrease in energy expenditure and cardiorespiratory fitness in obese women, which can impair whole body energy homeostasis. This information is important to contribute to clinical practices.