Exercise and Appetite Control
Principal Investigator: Professor David Stensel
Understanding the relationship between exercise and appetite control is important for individuals interested in using exercise as a weight management strategy.
Since 2004, we have conducted a series of experiments at Loughborough University to investigate the relationship between exercise, appetite control and energy balance. This work has consistently shown that a single bout of strenuous exercise reduces appetite and alters circulating levels of appetite-regulating hormones in directions expected to suppress appetite. In addition, there does not appear to be any compensation in appetite or energy intake to counteract the energy expended during exercise at least in the short term. These findings apply to men and women as well as individuals who are overweight or moderately obese and those who are lean.
We and others have shown a lot of variability in appetite responses after exercise with some individuals appearing more susceptible to increased hunger and energy intake with exercise but the reasons for this are unclear.
We are currently conducting a series of linked studies which aim to: (i) quantify accurately the magnitude of individual differences in appetite responses to single bouts of exercise and single meals; (ii) identify potential factors that may influence an individual’s appetite responses to exercise; and (iii) determine whether appetite and energy intake responses to exercise are influenced by specific genes associated with obesity risk. This body of research may help us to identify effective exercise strategies to control and manage weight.
Specific research areas:
1. Interaction between genetics, exercise and appetite control. Specific genes of interest:
a. Fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO)
b. Gastrin-releasing peptide gene (GRP)
2. Individual variability in appetite responses to exercise and food intake
This study is now closed to recruitment. Publications related to this research can be found here: 1, 2, 3, 4.
For more information, contact Alison Stanley on A.Stanley@lboro.ac.uk or call 01509 226445.