Post-Exercise Appetite and Ad Libitum Energy Intake in Response to High-Intensity Interval Training versus Moderate- or Vigorous-Intensity Continuous Training among Physically Inactive Middle-Aged Adults

Abstract

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is considered a time-efficient exercise strategy for weight management. However, data regarding the acute appetite and energy intake responses to HIIT versus continuous training remain inconclusive. This study investigated the ad libitum energy intake and appetite responses to a single session of HIIT versus moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and vigorous-intensity continuous training (VICT). Using a randomized crossover design, 11 middle-aged physically inactive men (45.7 ± 7.4 years, 23.5 ± 2.1 kg m−2) participated in three treadmill trials at 7-day intervals. HIIT comprised 10 1-min periods at 100% VO2max interspersed with 1-min periods of active recovery. MICT comprised a 40-min session at 65% VO2max, while VICT comprised a 20-min session at 80% VO2max. After each trial, the participants consumed an ad libitum buffet meal for which the energy intake was recorded. The participants’ perceived appetite was assessed before and after exercise sessions using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). No significant differences in post-exercise ad libitum energy intake were observed between trials (HIIT: 645 ± 262.9 kcal; MICT: 614.7 ± 271.2 kcal; VICT: 623.1 ± 249.0 kcal, p > 0.05). Although the perceived appetite responses exhibited a significant main effect of time (p < 0.01), no group differences were observed (p > 0.05). In summary, these findings suggest that the interval or continuous nature of exercise has no significant effect on appetite responses in physically inactive middle-aged adults, at least during the short-term post-exercise period.

High-intensity Interval Training Promotes the Shift to a Health-Supporting Dietary Pattern in Young Adults

“…This anorexigenic effect in obese adolescents has been confirmed by other authors [25,35] and this adaptation was due to peripheral (mainly gastro-peptides) and neurocognitive (neural responses to food cues) pathways [36]. Lactate has also been found to be a key suppressor of energy intake, perhaps due to the interaction of this molecule with glucose sensors in the central nervous system, suggesting that high-intensity exercises may have greater anorexigenic effect as compared to low-intensity ones [37].…”

A High-Protein, Low Glycemic Index Diet Suppresses Hunger but Not Weight Regain After Weight Loss: Results From a Large, 3-Years Randomized Trial (PREVIEW)

“…In addition PA can help prevent obesity (22) and alter appetite control by promoting an energy deficit and inducing changes in physiological response (23,24). The intensity of PA may also play a role in appetite regulation, but previous studies testing this hypothesis were all short-term (25)(26)(27)(28).…”

Acute metabolic responses after continuous or interval exercise in post‐menopausal women with overweight or obesity

“…Alternatively, the higher fat mass reduction observed in post-menopausal women after HIIT compared with MICT 10-12 could be explained by an increase of the total daily energy expenditure and/or by the appetite suppressive effects after HIIE. 35 Indeed, it has been shown that acute HIIE stimulates anorexigenic signals that could reduce energy intake for few hours. 16 However, comparison of HIIE and MICE effects on short-term post-exercise perceived appetite showed higher, 36 similar, 16 or no reduction 37 of the appetite score by HIIE.…”

“…Alternatively, the higher fat mass reduction observed in post‐menopausal women after HIIT compared with MICT 10‐12 could be explained by an increase of the total daily energy expenditure and/or by the appetite suppressive effects after HIIE 35 . Indeed, it has been shown that acute HIIE stimulates anorexigenic signals that could reduce energy intake for few hours 16 .…”