Alternate day fasting when combined with endurance exercise reduces leptin but not adiponectin and resistin

Background Alternate day fasting (ADF), consisting of a feed day (24‐hour ad libitum food intake) alternated with a fast day (75% energy restriction), is effective in reducing body weight and modulating adipose tissue physiology. However, the ability of ADF in combination with endurance exercise to improve the above variables has never been tested. Objective Accordingly, this study examined whether the combination of ADF plus exercise produces superior changes in body weight and plasma adipokine levels, when compared to each treatment alone. Methods Obese subjects (n=64) were randomized to 1 of 4 groups for 12 weeks: 1) combination (ADF + endurance exercise), 2) ADF, 3) exercise, or 4) control. Results Body weight was reduced (P < 0.05) by 7 ± 1 kg, 5 ± 1 kg, and 1 ± 1 kg, and fat mass decreased (P < 0.001) by 6 ± 1 kg, 4 ± 1 kg and 1 ± 1kg in the combination, ADF and exercise group, respectively. Fat free mass was retained in all groups. Adiponectin and resistin values did not change in any group post‐treatment. Leptin levels significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by 38 ± 10 ng/ml, 15 ± 6 ng/ml and 15 ± 6 ng/ml in the combination, ADF, and exercise group, respectively. Conclusion These findings suggest that the combination of ADF plus exercise produces superior changes in body weight, body composition and leptin levels, when compared to each intervention alone. Grant Funding Source : American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship