Changes in body composition and leptin concentration in males and females following training

We investigated the effect of an endurance training program on serum leptin concentration and body composition in males and females. Body composition and serum leptin concentrations were determined before and after 38 days of endurance training in 12 volunteers (6 females, 6 males). Maximal oxygen uptake increased 8.7% in males and 15.6% in females with training. There were significant decreases in percent body fat and fat mass following training, but no changes in serum leptin concentration were observed. A positive association was observed between serum leptin concentration and percent body fat (r = 0.801) and this relationship was still observed when male and female data were analysed separately. Endurance training resulted in a significant decrease in percent body fat and fat mass in males and females. In spite of the significant decrease in percent body fat and fat mass, endurance training did not affect serum leptin concentration.