Intense exercise reduces hunger

According to research published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, scientists believe that high-intensity exercise reduces ghrelin levels of the “hunger hormone” in healthy adults more effectively than moderate-intensity exercise. Right.

Eight men and six women participated in the study by fasting overnight and exercising at varying intensities. They then reported their hunger levels. The researchers measured lactate in their blood, exercise intensity index and levels of ghrelin – a hormone produced mainly in the stomach that signals the brain when to eat. Ghrelin circulates in two forms: acylated, the active hormone, and deacylated, the most abundant form of ghrelin in the body.

As a result, female volunteers had higher total ghrelin levels at the beginning of the study, compared to men. And only in women was acylated ghrelin “significantly reduced” after intense exercise. Low acylated ghrelin levels mean less hunger.

Researchers say moderate-intensity exercise does not change ghrelin levels.

“Exercise should be thought of as a ‘medication’, where dosage is customized based on individual goals. Our research shows that high-intensity exercise can suppress appetite, which is especially useful as part of a weight loss program,” said study author Kara Anderson.

The study results add to the long-standing debate about whether cardio or weight training is better for weight loss. Cardio typically burns more calories per workout, but weight training helps build muscle mass and burn calories while the body is at rest.