Aerobic training (AT) is more effective than aerobic plus resistance training (AT+RT) to improve anorexigenic/orexigenic factors in obese adolescents

•AGRP increased in AT+RT group after 6months of interdisciplinary intervention.•α-MSH increased in AT group after 12months of interdisciplinary intervention.•Health professionals should be alert about signals that stimulate food intake. Background: The regulation of energy balance is influenced by physical exercise. Although some studies show a stimulation of hormones related to food intake, others show that exercise provides satiety. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of aerobic training (AT) and aerobic plus resistance training (AT+RT) on anorexigenic and orexigenic factors in obese adolescents undergoing interdisciplinary weight loss therapy. Methods: A total of 26 obese adolescents, aged 15–19years with BMI⩾P95 were submitted to 12months of interdisciplinary intervention (clinical support, nutrition, psychology and physical exercise) and divided into two groups, aerobic training (AT) (n=13) or aerobic plus resistance training (AT+RT) (n=13), which were matched according to gender and body mass. Blood samples were collected to analyze orexigenic factors (AgRP, NPY, MCH) and the anorexigenic factor alpha-MSH. Results: The AT and AT+RT groups significantly reduced body mass, body mass index and body fat mass (kg) during the therapy. The AT group showed no significant changes in body lean mass (kg), whereas the AT+RT group showed an increase in body lean mass (kg) during the interdisciplinary intervention. There was an increase in AgRP levels (ng/ml) only in the AT+RT group after 6months of interdisciplinary intervention compared with baseline condition. Conversely, α-MSH levels (ng/ml) increased only in the AT group after 12months of interdisciplinary intervention compared with baseline condition. Conclusion: Aerobic training (AT) as part of an interdisciplinary therapy is more effective than aerobic plus resistance training (AT+RT) to improve secretion of anorexigenic/orexigenic factors in obese adolescents.