Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks regular exercise on liver enzymes in overweight women. Twenty women with an average age of 31.3 ± 6.4 years and a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30.8 ± 1.5 participated in the study voluntarily. The participants were divided equally into two groups as control and exercise group. While the control group did not participate in any physical activity program, the exercise group participated in the fitness exercise program 4 days a week for 8 weeks. AST, ALT and LDH levels were determined from blood samples taken twice from the participants during rest, once at the beginning of the study, and once at the end 8-week-long (60min/4day/week) fitness exercise. SPSS software was used for the analysis of the obtained data. The independent samples t test was used to determine the differences between the groups and the paired samples t test was used to determine the differences within the groups. There were no significant differences between pre and post tests in control group (p>0,05), however there were significant differences in AST, ALT and LDH values in exercise group between pre and post tests after 8 week-long exercise program (p<0,05). This difference is also significant between the groups (p <0.05). Our findings show that 8 week-long regular exercise program changes the level of AST, ALT and LDH in overweight females. As a result, it can be seen that there might be a change in enzyme activities with the effect of exercise in overweight women who have recently started to exercise. It can be said that longer-term exercises may be needed to make these changes more positive in terms of health.