Reduced Growth Hormone Response to Anaerobic Exercise among Overweight and Obese Children

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of an anaerobic exercise test on growth hormone (GH) secretion in overweight and obese compared to normal weight children.

Methods: Fifteen overweight (BMI%ile ≥85<95) and obese children (BMI%ile ≥95) and 10 normal weight children (BMI%ile >5<85) participated in the study. Participants performed a modification of the Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT), with 10 bouts of 15 sec cycling separated by one minute of rest. Blood samples for GH and lactate were collected before and 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after the beginning of the exercise test.

Results: There was a significant increase in GH levels following the modified repeated WAnT in both groups, but the increase in GH levels was significantly greater among the normal weight compared to overweight and obese participants (p<0.003). Seven of the ten normal weight participants had GH increase above the threshold for GH sufficiency compared to only two overweight and obese participants.

Conclusion: GH response to the modified repeated WAnT was significantly reduced among overweight and obese children compared to normal weight children. Anaerobic interval-type training may not be a sufficient exercise alternative to stimulate appropriate GH levels among obese children.