Effects of exercise interventions on leptin and ghrelin levels in middle-aged and older adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

What was studied

This review looked at exercise in older and middle-aged adults with overweight or obesity. It focused on the hormones leptin and ghrelin. They help control energy balance. They may be off balance in obesity. Earlier evidence on exercise was inconsistent. The search ran up to July 2026. It included randomized trials. The authors pooled the results.

What they found

Exercise was linked to lower leptin than control. This was based on 18 comparisons. The difference was -0.32. Variation between studies was low. Exercise was also linked to higher ghrelin. The difference was 0.45. Variation between studies was substantial. A test hinted at possible bias for leptin. A further check did not change the estimate.

What it means for patients

The authors say exercise was linked to lower leptin and higher ghrelin. They say the leptin finding looked fairly consistent. They say the ghrelin finding needs careful reading.

Why it is not certain yet

The ghrelin result came from fewer comparisons. It had substantial variation. Subgroup findings should not be used to set an exercise plan. The authors call for trials with standard exercise, clearer diet control and consistent hormone tests. Links are not proof of cause.

Source

Effects of exercise interventions on leptin and ghrelin levels in middle-aged and older adults with overweight or obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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