Moderate physical exercise could well be a key in managing weight and appetite, according to a recent study. This research highlights the beneficial effects of physical activity on appetite-related hormones in men suffering from obesity.
A team of researchers from the Health Futures Institute at Murdoch University has demonstrated that moderate-intensity exercise significantly influences hormones and perceptions related to appetite. This discovery opens new perspectives on how exercise can help regulate appetite and support weight management.
Illustration image Pixabay
The study, led by Associate Professor Timothy Fairchild, confirms that regular exercise helps control appetite without increasing the feeling of hunger. This contradicts the common belief that exercise would increase appetite and energy consumption after exertion.
The researchers also measured changes in hormones that regulate appetite, revealing that exercise can have immediate and beneficial effects. These hormones are the same ones that the most effective weight loss medications attempt to replicate.
The study emphasizes the importance of lifestyle factors in weight management, in addition to the physical and mental benefits of exercise. It shows that exercise can offer benefits similar to those of weight loss medications, while improving overall health.
This research, published in
Physiological Reports, offers a new understanding of the mechanisms by which exercise can influence appetite and weight. It highlights the importance of exercise in managing obesity and promoting a healthy life.
The study from Murdoch University thus provides additional evidence of the importance of exercise in regulating appetite and managing weight, offering a natural alternative to weight loss medications.
How does moderate exercise influence appetite hormones?
Moderate exercise stimulates the production of certain hormones that play a key role in regulating appetite. These hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, send signals to the brain to indicate satiety or hunger. The study shows that exercise can increase leptin levels, thereby reducing the feeling of hunger, while decreasing ghrelin levels, the hormone that stimulates appetite.
Moreover, moderate exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps regulate blood sugar and reduce sugar cravings. This contributes to better weight management and a reduced risk of developing obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
Finally, exercise has a positive effect on metabolism, increasing energy expenditure even at rest. This means that even after exercise, the body continues to burn calories at a higher rate, which can help maintain a healthy weight.