Leptina e insulina sérica en adultos con sobrepeso y obesos en régimen hipocalórico con alto contenido de carbohidratos complejos

Abstract

Leptin acts as a regulatory signal for food intake, body energy balance, body fat content and body weight stability. In order to establish associations among serum leptin, serum insulin and weight loss, 71 obese or overweight adults were assessed by anthropometry and serum determination of leptin at the beginning (B), two weeks (2w) and six weeks (6w) after consuming a dietary regime based on complex carbohydrates intake. Data was analyzed by non parametrical tests for independent and related samples. There was a significant decrease of leptin among B, 2w and 6w of similar nature between overweight and obese participants, with all of them reaching normal values at 6w (overweight at 2w and obese at 6 w). Prevalence of normal leptin values (<15 ng/mL) increased among B, 2w and 6w. Leptin levels were significantly higher in obese vs. overweight and in women vs. men with no differences in serum glucose or insulin by sex. There was a significant association between leptin and adiposity indicators (body mass index and abdominal circumference). At 2w, but not at 6w, a positive correlation between leptin and insulin was found. A dietary regime based on increased consumption of complex carbohydrate (fiber) was efficient to induce favorable changes in anthropometrical and biochemical indicators, especially serum leptin.