# Effect of Different Modes of High Intensity Interval Training on Appetite-Related Hormones, Appetite Perception, and Anthropometric Measures in Overweight and Obese Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PMID: 42124875
Journal: Health Science Reports
Published: 2026-05-10
Authors: Fekri-Kourabbaslou V, Amirsasan R, Dabbagh-Nikoukheslat S

## Question

Do running-based HIIT and bodyweight high-intensity functional training differ in effects on appetite hormones, appetite perception, anthropometrics, and performance in overweight/obese young men?

## Summary

In sedentary overweight or obese young men, 8 weeks of supervised running HIIT or bodyweight high-intensity functional training improved several appetite hormones, waist/hip measures, body fat percentage, and aerobic performance compared with control. Body weight and ghrelin did not change significantly. The trial was small, male-only, supervised, and had limited safety reporting.

## Population

- Sedentary overweight or obese young men.
- Sample size: 30
- Age: Mean 22.6 +/- 1.7 years.
- Sex: Male.
- Fitness level: Sedentary, less than 1 h/week physical activity in previous 12 months.
- Health status: Overweight/obese but without chronic disease.

## Methodology

- Three-arm randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor/laboratory staff.
- 8-week intervention after a 1-week preparatory MICT phase.
- Supervised exercise setting.
- Randomized and controlled study design.

## Protocol

- HIIT and HIFT.
- Modality: Running HIIT and bodyweight functional HIIT.
- Work intervals: 30, 25, 20, then 15 s by progression phase.
- Recovery: 60, 50, 40, then 30 s; 150 s between sets.
- Sets or repetitions: 3-4 sets of 6 repetitions.
- Intensity: HIIT 130-170% MAS; HIFT 70-90% participant records; RPE 7-9/10.
- Session duration: 45-50 min including warm-up/cool-down; main work 23.5-29 min.
- Frequency: 3 sessions/week.
- Program length: 8 weeks.
- Progression: Increased intensity and sets while shortening interval and recovery duration.
- Control.
- Modality: Usual lifestyle.
- Program length: 8 weeks.

## Outcomes

### PYY and GLP-1
Status: improved
Both HIIT and HIFT increased PYY and GLP-1 compared with control.

Significant time-by-group effects, p < .05.

### Ghrelin and several appetite ratings
Status: no clear change
Ghrelin, fullness, satiety, and desire to eat did not change significantly.

Ghrelin p = .53; fullness p = .48; satiety p = .72; desire p = .20.

### Anthropometrics
Status: mixed
Waist, hip, and body fat percentage improved in both training groups; HIFT also reduced BMI and fat mass versus control, but body weight did not significantly change.

Weight p = .14; FFM p = .11; other anthropometric time-by-group effects p < .05 except weight and FFM.

### Performance
Status: improved
VO2max and vVO2max improved in both training groups versus control.

p < .05 for performance time-by-group effects.

## Practical Insights

- Bodyweight HIFT is more directly translatable than MAS-based running intervals.
- Short 15-30 s intervals with 1:2 recovery can be progressed by intensity and set count.
- Do not claim significant weight loss from this intervention.

## Limitations

- Small n=10 per group.
- Young men only.
- Short 8-week intervention.
- Supervised setting.
- Preparatory MICT phase before the intervention.
- Sparse adverse-event reporting.
- Surrogate appetite hormone outcomes.

## Safety And Adherence

- No specific adverse events were reported.
- Participants were screened by physician and PAR-Q.
- Missing more than two sessions or injury/discomfort was exclusionary.

## Original Sources

- [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42124875/) (pubmed)
- [DOI](https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.72204) (doi)
- [PMC full text](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13158159/) (full text)

## Agent Guidance

Preserve the paper-level scope of this note. Do not generalize beyond the population, protocol, measured outcomes, and limitations above.