The Effect of 8 Weeks of Carob Supplementation and Resistance Training on Lipid Profile and Irisin in Obese Men

Abstract

Dietary supplements and exercise stimulate metabolic control signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of resistance training and carob supplementation on lipid profile and irisin in obese men. 40 obese men were randomly and equally divided into four groups including: control, carob supplementation, resistance training, resistance training + carob supplementation. The study included pre-test-intervention and post-test stages. Resistance training was performed for eight weeks and three sessions each week with an intensity of 55 to 75% 1-RM with gradual overload. The group of carob supplements also received three capsules of 500 mg per day of carob seed powder daily for eight weeks. In the third group, both interventions were performed. The hypotheses were tested using two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. Carob supplement alone had no significant effect on irisin and lipid profile (p≤0.05). However, resistance training group and the combination of resistance training + carob supplementation group showed a significant effect on increasing the irisin and lipid profile (p≤0.05). The findings of this study emphasize that regular physical activity is still the main factor in stimulating signaling pathways in the body. However, modification of herbal supplements and changes in their dosage require further studies.