Prolonged impact of exercise on appetite and energy compensation

Abstract

Exercise generally leads to less than anticipated weight loss, despite inducing an acute negative energy balance. Post-exercise compensatory mechanisms that increase energy intake and decrease energy expenditure contribute to ineffective weight loss with exercise, although the precise mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the 3-day impact of exercise on measures of appetite and energy compensation in a healthy population of males and females. Fourteen participants completed two conditions in a randomized crossover trial: 1) 75 min exercise (75% VO2peak); and 2) 75 min sedentary control. Measures of energy intake, energy expenditure, subjective appetite, and appetite-related hormones were assessed. An acute post-exercise suppression of acyl-ghrelin was observed. Exercise increased overall measures of subjective appetite despite no increase in energy intake or change in post-exercise physical activity patterns. Overall, exercise increased perceived appetite despite no clear evidence of energy compensation through energy intake or energy expenditure.