the effect of moderate-intensity interval training on plasma subfatin levels and body composition in sedentary obese middle-aged women

Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic diseases. subfatin, an adipokine with potential metabolic benefits, is of increasing interest. this study investigated the effects of eight weeks of moderate-intensity interval training (miit) on plasma subfatin levels and body composition in sedentary, obese, middle-aged women. thirty sedentary women (aged 50-60 years; bmi >30 kg/m²) were purposively selected and randomly assigned to an experimental (n=15) or a control (n=15) group. the experimental group performed an eight-week miit program (three sessions/week) at an intensity of 50-75% of heart rate reserve, following the principle of progressive overload. the control group maintained their usual sedentary routine. fasting plasma subfatin levels were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (elisa), and body composition indices (bmi, body fat percentage [bfp], waist-to-hip ratio [whr]) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. the miit group exhibited a significant increase in plasma subfatin levels (p=0.016) and a significant decrease in bfp (p=0.01) compared to the control group. while positive trends were observed, no significant inter-group differences were found for bmi (p>0.05) or whr (p=0.095). an eight-week miit program effectively elevated plasma subfatin concentration and reduced body fat percentage in sedentary, obese, middle-aged women. these results suggest that miit may be a valuable exercise strategy for improving adipokine profile and body composition in this population.