The Effect of Physical Activity on Serum Asprosin Levels in Healthy Obese Men and Women: A Systematic Review

Saeed Mamli; Haniye Mardalizade; Rahman Soori

doi:10.18502/ijdl.v26i1.21331

Saeed Mamli Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Gilan, Rasht, Iran
Haniye Mardalizade Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Gilan, Rasht, Iran
Rahman Soori Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijdl.v26i1.21331

Keywords: Physical activity, Asprosin, Obesity

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity is recognized as one of the most effective clinical interventions for reducing Asprosin levels in individuals with obesity. The present review aimed to investigate the effects of physical exercise on serum Asprosin levels in healthy obese men and women.

Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate up to February 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised studies involving healthy obese adults as participants, with interventions consisting of structured physical activity or exercise protocols. Studies including individuals with normal weight or overweight, or those using dietary supplements, were excluded. Ultimately, six studies met the eligibility criteria. Extracted data included participant characteristics, type and intensity of intervention, exercise duration, and the method of serum Asprosin measurement. Study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.

Results: A total of six studies examining various types of physical activity—including high-intensity resistance training, aerobic exercise, and combined exercise-dietary interventions—were included. All studies reported that regular physical activity led to reductions in serum Asprosin levels in healthy obese men and women. Despite differences in intervention type and intensity, the overall trend consistently indicated a decrease in Asprosin levels. Due to heterogeneity in study design, intervention type, and duration, a meta-analysis was not feasible, and results were summarized qualitatively.

Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest that high-intensity resistance training has the most pronounced effect on lowering Asprosin levels. Furthermore, combined interventions, such as aerobic-resistance training alongside dietary modifications, demonstrated the greatest impact on reducing Asprosin. Regular physical activity, particularly when performed at higher intensities, plays a crucial role in obesity management through Asprosin reduction.