The Impact of Ballet Program on Appetite Related Hormones, Insulin Resistance, and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: Postmenopausal status is associated with an age-related decline in hormones, abnormal appetite regulation, weight gain, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Exercise is a useful non-pharmacological intervention that improves the levels of hormones involved in appetite regulation and weight management while reducing CVD risk factors. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of a ballet program on menopause-related changes in satiety or levels of appetite regulation hormones, including leptin and ghrelin, homeostatic model of assessing insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).METHODS: The EX group performed the ballet program. In the fasting state, body composition; leptin, ghrelin, insulin, and glucose levels; and HOMA-IR values were assessed before and 12 week after the intervention.RESULTS: A significant group by time interaction (p<.05) was noted for percentage body fat, leptin, insulin, and HOMA-IR, which significantly decreased (p<.05), and ghrelin, which significantly increased (p<.05).CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that this ballet program may be an attractive and enjoyable intervention for improving menopause-associated appetite regulation hormone changes in postmenopausal women.