Individual training sessions do not increase appetite

Some experts in the field of weight control warn dieters that physical activity has a limited effect on weight control because it increases appetite and food intake.

Catia Martins and colleagues from Norway found that neither intense nor sustained exercise affects appetite, food intake or hormones that control appetite. The scientists studied overweight and obese people who completed individual training sessions of moderate to high intensity three hours before lunch. All forms of exercise reduced insulin levels, but none had an effect on eating behavior at lunch.

In the short term, moderate to intensive training does not increase appetite. Nevertheless, the Norwegian experts recommend drinking enough before exercise and taking foods or supplements high in vitamins and minerals.

(Medicine Science Sports Exercise, 47; 40 - 48, 2015)