Effects of exercise on homocysteine levels in patients with obesity

Background: Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease associated with cardiovascular and atherosclerotic changes. It is also a public health problem due to its related complications. High homocysteine levels are important markers for the development of atherothrombosis and atherosclerotic changes. Obesity with high homocysteine levels influences metabolic risk and makes individuals prone to comorbidities. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of exercise on homocysteine levels in patients with obesity. Methods: A total of 40 patients with obesity were included in this study; weights and heights were measured, and body mass indexes (BMIs) were calculated. A standard exercise program, which lasted 4 months, was applied to all patients. All of the patients walked regularly for 20 minutes before breakfast, and for 30 minutes two hours after dinner. The homocysteine levels at the baseline were compared with the values after 4 months. Results: There were significant differences in the body weight, serum lipids and insulin levels (p<0.05) in these patients. The mean homocysteine level was 10.5±4.3 at the baseline, while it was 9.1±3.1 at the 4th month. Although there was a decrease in the homocysteine level, it did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Obesity and high homocysteine levels are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, regular exercise can decrease body weight and homocysteine levels in patients with obesity.