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A recent study conducted by researchers at Murdoch University’s Health Futures Institute has found that moderate-intensity exercise can significantly influence appetite-related hormones and perceptions in males with obesity. The study, titled Acute Effect of Exercise on Appetite-Related Factors in Males with Obesity, provides valuable new insights into how exercise can support appetite control and weight management. The findings have been published in the Physiological Reports journal.
Associate Professor Timothy Fairchild, one of the authors of the study and a researcher at Murdoch’s School of Allied Health, emphasized that the study confirms their previous findings on the benefits of regular exercise for weight management. “Many people assume that exercise increases hunger and energy intake afterward,” Fairchild explained. “But our research, using both high-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise, shows this is not the case. In fact, moderate exercise can have immediate and positive effects on appetite control in individuals with obesity.”
The study not only examined food intake and appetite but also measured changes in hormones involved in appetite regulation. The results revealed that moderate exercise led to increased levels of specific hormones that control hunger, countering the common belief that exercise stimulates an increase in appetite.
“This study shows that, even with the growing focus on weight-loss medications, lifestyle factors, including exercise, play a crucial role in helping individuals lead healthier lives,” Fairchild stated. “Interestingly, the hormones that rise after exercise are similar to those targeted by the most effective weight-loss drugs. The bonus is that exercise also provides the additional benefits of improved physical and mental health.”
This research highlights the importance of adopting a balanced approach to health that incorporates physical activity as a means of supporting appetite regulation and overall well-being.
Disclaimer: The findings of this study are based on a pilot study and further research is needed to confirm these results across larger populations. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your exercise or diet regimen.
More information: Sogand Asri et al, Acute Effect of Exercise on Appetite‐Related Factors in Males with Obesity: A Pilot Study, Physiological Reports (2024). DOI: 10.14814/phy2.70167
Provided by Murdoch University
