Comparison of Aerobic and Resistance Exercises on Myonectin Levels and Insulin Resistance in Overweight and Obese Women

Background: Obesity is a hormonal-metabolic disorder that leads to the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat in the body due to lifestyle changes, especially inactivity and genetic predispositions. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance training on serum myonectin levels and insulin resistance in overweight and obese women. Methods: A total of 45 women aged 30 - 50 years who were either overweight or obese participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 15 participants: control (group I), resistance training (group II), and aerobic training (group III). The aerobic training group engaged in an eight-week running program with an intensity set at 50 - 70% of their maximum heart rate, following the principle of gradual overload. The resistance training group completed an 8-week program with three sessions per week. All data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26). Two-way analysis of variance in repeated measures and Bonferroni’s post hoc test were utilized, with significance set at P ≥ 0.05. Results: Both aerobic and resistance exercises resulted in a statistically significant difference in serum myonectin levels compared to the control group (P = 0.024 and P = 0.002, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed between the effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on this variable (P = 0.214). Similarly, both aerobic and resistance exercises led to a statistically significant difference in insulin resistance, compared to the control group (P = 0.028 and P = 0.001, respectively), with no significant difference observed between the effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on this variable (P = 0.068). Conclusions: In conclusion, 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance training, when performed separately by obese or overweight women, resulted in increased serum myonectin levels and improved insulin resistance. The aforementioned findings collectively indicate an enhancement in metabolic status, contributing to overall health improvement in individuals.