Spirulina supplementation and circuit resistance training (CRT) reduce serum Asprosin and appetite and improve energy balance in overweight and obese Men

Abstract Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks spirulina supplementation and circuit resistance training (CRT) on Asprosin, appetite and energy balance of overweight and obese men. Methods The present study is a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty overweight and obese men (BMI > 25) were purposefully selected and randomly divided into equal four groups of training plus spirulina, training plus placebo, spirulina, and placebo. The participants of the training groups performed 12 movements with 40–90 percent maximal repetition (3 sessions per week) and supplemental groups consumed 1000 mg of spirulina per day for eight weeks. Asprosin, appetite with visual analogue scales, calorie intake, energy expenditure and mass of body fat (MBF) were measured before and after intervention. To analyze data, one-way variance, paired- t-tests and Pearson correlation test was used by SPSS (version 20) at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results After intervention Asprosin level, weight, MBF, calorie intake, and hunger declined and fullness and satiety increased in training plus spirulina, training plus placebo, and spirulina groups (p < 0.05). In addition, energy expenditure increased only in the training groups (P = 0.01). The mean changes of the research indicators in the training plus spirulina group were significantly more than the other groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion It seems that eight weeks of CRT and spirulina supplementation decrease the level of Asprosin and improve appetite and energy balance in overweight and obese people.