Association of Appetite and Related Hormones (Leptin, Ghrelin) with Resting Metabolic Rate of Overweight/ Obese Women: A Case-Control Study
Abstract Objective: Low resting metabolic rate (RMR) as a risk factor for weight gain and obesity can be influenced by many factors. Researchers have pointed out the role of appetite and related hormones in obesity and energy intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between appetite and related hormones in the two groups with normal and impaired resting metabolic rate in overweight or obese Iranian women.Methods: In this case-control study, 42 healthy female volunteers aged 18-50 years (21 cases,and 21 controls) participated and were evaluated for RMR by indirect calorimetry. Body composition was determined by a body composition analyzer. The Filint questionnaire was used to assess appetite. We also used ELISA kits to assess appetite-related hormones. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.Results: The results of the study showed that there is a negative relationship between ghrelin hormone level (p-value = 0.024) and RMR, and there is a positive relationship between insulin hormone level (p-value = 0.001) and RMR. Also, result of the appetite questionnaire showed that in general, both appetite (p-value = 0.044) and hunger index (p-value = 0.043) have a positive relationship with RMR. There was no significant relationship between leptin levels and RMR. Conclusion: As the results of this study show, it seems that appetite and related hormones have a possible role in promoting RMR.