Influence of serum leptin on exercise dependence, dietary intake, and satiety in competitive female runners and inactive females

Leptin is derived primarily from adipocytes to impact appetite, energy expenditure, and reward-seeking behaviors; and may contribute to compulsive-type behaviors. This study examined the relationship of leptin at fasting, postprandial, and post exercise with diet, subjective satiety, and exercise dependence (ED) between female runners (FR) and inactive females (IF). Mean age of subjects 23 years and body mass index (BMI) of 21.5 kg/m2. Across time on the day of the study, significant leptin differences (P < 0.001) were seen in FR (n = 14; BMI: 19.9 ± 1.3) compared to IF (n = 16; BMI: 23.0 ± 2.8), with no significant differences within groups. Fat mass (FM) was lower (P < 0.000) and lean mass (LM) was higher in FR (P < 0.001) than IF. FR had an average LM of 75.5% in comparison to IF at 65.6%. In conclusion, FR had significantly lower leptin than IF across time. Additionally, FR had a significantly lower BMI, FM, and body weight than IF. However, FR scored significantly higher in mean overall ED and consumed a significantly higher percentage of carbohydrates and fiber than IF.