Evaluating the effect of targeted exercise programs on orexin levels and general health of obese women with emphasis on the design of urban exercise spaces

Increased body mass index not only increases the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but also, through mechanisms such as impaired secretion of orexin. Environmental and social barriers limit the participation of obese women in physical activities. The lack of safe, accessible urban sports spaces that are appropriate for the physical and psychological needs of this group is one of the key factors in reducing motivation for exercise. However, intelligent design of public spaces can facilitate their participation by creating a sense of security, reducing concerns about others' judgment, and providing specialized equipment. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of three types of endurance, resistance, and combined training on plasma levels of orexin A and its relationship with general health indicators (weight, body mass index, and fat percentage index, VO2 max) in obese women, and to develop a framework for designing urban sports spaces based on the most effective identified sports program and to identify barriers and facilitators of women's participation in public sports programs. Materials and methods: Forty obese women were randomly assigned to four endurance, resistance, combined, and control groups. The experimental groups performed eight weeks of structured training, three times a week. The endurance group ran at 50-85% of their maximum heart rate, the resistance group trained at 60-80% of their one-repetition maximum with progressive overload, and the combined group combined both. 48 hours after training, blood samples were taken and orexin levels were measured by ELISA. Results: The results showed that 8 weeks of endurance, resistance, and combined training significantly increased orexin neuropeptide levels and reduced adiposity. Conclusion: Increased orexin is associated with reduced appetite and improved energy expenditure. While lower orexin levels may reduce metabolic activity, physical activity stimulates orexin production, reduces appetite, and increases energy expenditure.