A recent study published in the journal Physiological Reports indicates that moderate-level exercise may reduce both feelings of hunger and hunger-related hormones in males with obesity.
The pilot study included eleven males with obesity who participated in two trials with a crossover design. Each trial lasted four hours; one trial included one hour of moderate exercise, while the other included rest. Food intake was the same the night and morning before each trial, and trials were separated by a minimum of seven days. Subjective perceptions of appetite were assessed before and after the exercise or rest, and blood samples were also taken to assess levels of hunger-related hormones throughout the trials.
The results showed that perceptions of appetite were significantly decreased immediately after exercise compared to the resting control group. Additionally, changes in appetite-related hormones were seen after exercise that were not seen after rest. In particular, levels of two hormones associated with appetite suppression were significantly increased after moderate-intensity exercise.
The authors noted that these results emphasize the importance of regular exercise for both managing weight and improving overall health. While most people think of exercise mainly as a way to burn calories, few people also consider that it can have positive effects on appetite. In fact, many people believe that exercise can actually increase hunger and possibly negate the energy-burning effects of exercise. However, this study as well as previous studies have shown that both moderate- and high-intensity exercise have appetite-suppressing effects. While weight loss drugs have become popular in recent years, the results of this study highlight the benefits of a simple exercise program for managing weight. Weight management is a key component of heart health and overall health, and regular exercise is an important part of keeping your heart healthy and preventing heart disease.
Sources: Physiological Reports, Science Daily
