Context: Elevated serum concentrations of chemerin is a significant factor in the development of metabolic disorders in individuals with overweight and obesity.
Objective: This systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression evaluated the effects of exercise training on serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity.
Methods: Studies published up to January 2021 were identified through four databases. Forty-three studies including 1271 participants were included and analysed using a random-effects model to calculate weighted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Results indicated that exercise training significantly decreased serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. Subgroup analysis showed that all types of exercise (aerobic, resistance, and combined training) interventions but not high-intensity interval training decreased serum concentrations of chemerin. Subgroup analysis based on baseline body mass index (BMI), gender, and intervention duration showed significant declines in serum concentrations of chemerin. Meta-regression analysis indicated a linear relationship between changes in body fat percentage (BFP) with serum concentrations of chemerin.
Conclusion: Exercise training may decrease serum concentrations of chemerin in individuals with overweight and/or obesity. The chemerin-lowering effects of exercise might be related to declines in BFP. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Keywords: Chemerin; exercise; meta-analysis; obesity; overweight.