Changes On Neuroendocrine Parameters (cortisol, Melatonin) And Anxiety Levels After A School-based Exercising And Nutrition Counseling Intervention In School-aged Obese Adolescents From Monterrey méXico.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Recent studies point to high prevalences of obesity in adolescent populations worldwide. Its implications derive in various disorders, among which are inflammatory processes, as well as disorders related to sleep-wake, both processes involved in stress situations. There are two neuroendocrine parameters (cortisol and melatonin) two hormones associated with the same sleep-wake process that lead to a certain level of anxiety in obese subjects. Both cortisol and anxiety have been evidenced in various investigations as obesogenic factors. For its part, the practice of physical exercise has been indicated as a factor associated with the increase in melatonin levels, which has anti-inflammatory and recovery functions. PURPOSE: To assess the changes in the levels of neuroendocrine parameters (cortisol, melatonin) and anxiety after an intervention of nutritional counseling and exercise in school age obese adolescents of Monterrey Mexico METHODS: Experimental study with a sample of 51 adolescents (13 ± 2) randomly assigned in three work groups had participation during 4 months. The control group (CG) did not receive any treatment; experimental group 1 (EG1) participated in a health program composed of 4 weekly sessions of 60 minutes of physical activity; Experimental group 2 (EG2) 4 weekly sessions of 60 minutes of physical activity sessions of nutritional guidance and 2 weekly sessions of light therapy of 45 minutes. The values of cortisol and melatonin were taken in saliva and for anxiety the questionnaire of state anxiety (STAI) was used. RESULTS: After comparing initial and final values, the results showed significative changes into EG2 increasing melatonin (p > 0.001). Salivary cortisol showed significant decreases into EG1 (p = 0.004) and also into EG2 (p =0.006). Anxiety state showed a significant increase into CG (p<0.001), and significant decreases into EG1 (p< 0.005) and into EG2 (p< 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: The School-based Exercising And Nutrition Counseling shows favorable effects in the reduction of cortisol levels y ansiedad, both factors associated with inflammation. The use of light therapy seems to help into the recovery processes increasing secretion of melatonin and recovery after exercise. we suggest analize sleep variables for further studies