Homeostatic and non-homeostatic appetite control along the spectrum of physical activity levels: An updated perspective

Abstract

The current obesogenic environment promotes physical inactivity and food consumption in excess of energy requirements, two important modifiable risk factors influencing energy balance. Habitual physical activity has been shown to impact not only energy expenditure, but also energy intake through mechanisms of appetite control. This review summarizes recent theory and evidence underpinning the role of physical activity in the homeostatic and non-homeostatic mechanisms controlling appetite. Energy intake along the spectrum of physical activity levels (inactive to highly active) appears to be J-shaped, with low levels of physical activity leading to dysregulated appetite and a mismatch between energy intake and expenditure. At higher levels, habitual physical activity influences homeostatic appetite control in a dual-process action by increasing the drive to eat through greater energy expenditure, but also by enhancing post-meal satiety, allowing energy intake to better match energy expenditure in response to hunger and satiety signals. There is clear presumptive evidence that physical activity energy expenditure can act as a drive (determinant) of energy intake. The influence of physical activity level on non-homeostatic appetite control is less clear, but low levels of physical activity may amplify hedonic states and behavioural traits favouring overconsumption indirectly through increased body fat. More evidence is required to understand the interaction between physical activity, appetite control and diet composition on passive overconsumption and energy balance. Furthermore, potential moderators of appetite control along the spectrum of physical activity, such as body composition, sex, and type, intensity and timing of physical activity, remain to be fully understood.

Baseline Habitual Physical Activity Predicts Weight Loss, Weight Compensation, and Energy Intake During Aerobic Exercise

“…In line with previous findings , participants with lower habitual MVPA levels showed higher tendencies for disinhibition and binge eating at baseline, factors that may have influenced the greater increases in EI and subsequent greater weight compensation in response to the exercise intervention. This assumption is supported by previous findings showing that individuals with lower levels of measured MVPA have weaker appetite control and satiety response to food and thus have an impaired regulation of energy balance compared with their more active counterparts . Consequently, in our study, participants with lower levels of habitual MVPA and/or PAEE at baseline may have had a more impaired regulation of energy balance than those with higher levels of habitual MVPA and/or PAEE, and this became particularly apparent with the onset of the exercise intervention.…”

The relationship between physical activity, appetite and energy intake in older adults: A systematic review

“…Conversely research in cyclists versus untrained individuals (aged 18-30 years) found no differences between groups [41] indicating that other mechanisms such as lean body mass may need to be investigated [42].…”

Acute and Chronic Effects of Exercise on Appetite, Energy Intake, and Appetite-Related Hormones: The Modulating Effect of Adiposity, Sex, and Habitual Physical Activity

“…Evidence examining the acute and chronic effects of exercise on appetite, energy intake, and appetite-related hormone responses has been reviewed extensively [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. A brief summary of this body of work is presented in the next section to provide a context for understanding the modulating effects of adiposity, sex, and habitual physical activity on appetite responses to exercise.…”