Comparison of energy-matched high-intensity interval and moderate-intensity continuous exercise sessions on latency to eat, energy intake, and appetite

Abstract

High-intensity interval exercises (HIIex) have gained popularity but their effects on eating behavior are poorly known. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the effects of HIIex on the 3 main components of eating behavior (appetite, intake, and latency to eat) differ from those of moderate-intensity continuous exercises (MICex) for the same energy expenditure. Fifteen young normal-weight males completed 3 sessions in a counterbalanced order: HIIex (30-s bouts at 90% of maximal oxygen uptake interceded with 60-s bouts at 35% of maximal oxygen uptake for 20 min), MICex (42% of maximal oxygen uptake for 40 min), and a resting session (REST). Trials were scheduled 80 and 100 min after a standard breakfast for MICex and HIIex, respectively. At 120 min, participants were isolated until they asked for lunch. Appetite was rated on 4 visual analog scales (hunger, desire to eat, fullness, and prospective consumption) every 15 min until meal request. Results showed that the mean latency of requesting lunch was significantly longer after HIIex than after REST (+17.3 ± 4.3 min, P = 0.004), but not after MICex (P = 0.686). Energy intake was not different between conditions, leading to a negative energy balance in the 2 exercise sessions. Thus, the effects of HIIex on eating behavior are likely primarily mediated through the latency of meal initiation. However, inter-individual variability was large and further studies are needed to identify the predictive factors of this response.

A Sports Nutrition Perspective on the Impacts of Hypoxic High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Appetite Regulatory Mechanisms: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence

“…Another recent study by Charlot and Chapelot recruited 15 healthy men who exercised regularly to perform HIIE consisting of 13 sets of 90% VO 2 max exercise for 30 s and 35% VO 2 max exercise for 60 s (total exercise time: 20 min), moderate-intensity continuous exercises (MIE; 42% VO 2 max for 40 min), and the sedentary rest control trial (REST). The results showed that no change occurred in subjective appetite and energy intake, but HIIE delayed their meal by nearly 20 min compared to MIE [40]. The results from the above studies suggest that exercise intensity has a significant effect on appetite hormonal responses and subjective appetite.…”

Energy Intake and Appetite Sensations Responses to Aquatic Cycling in Healthy Women: The WatHealth Study

“…The relationship between EE and EI has been shown to depend predominantly on exercise intensity [22]. High-intensity exercise (≥70% VO 2max ) has been shown to decrease REI, hunger rating and increase volitional onset of eating [22,23]. However, the pattern of eating behavior seems to be sex-specific, with appetite sensations being decreased in men [22] in response to strenuous exercise whereas women do not show these modifications in appetite sensations [24].…”

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

“…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. In our study, the perceived appetite score during the 2‐hour recovery period (AUC data) was lower after HIIE 1 and HIIE 2 than MICE.…”