High Intensity Workouts Curb Appetite

According to a recent study released by researchers at the University of Western Australia, those who regularly engage in high intensity workouts are more likely to eat less.

In fact, researchers found that men who just engaged in a vigorous workout were more likely to eat 200 calories less.

This is not the first study to show the benefits of high intensity workouts and appetite suppression. Workouts can actually change hormones in the body that regulate hunger and fullness, according to new research involving the study.

Aaron Sim, a graduate student at the university, and colleague involving the study, examined 17 overweight men who volunteered to participate in four 30-minute exercise sessions: one in which they only rested and three involving stationary cycling at either moderate, high or very high intensities.

Following each session, men drank a liquid meal of about 267 calories. Then, after an hour, researchers offered the participants oatmeal and told them to eat until they were "comfortably full."

The men who had been involved in the high and very high intensity workouts were more likely to eat less than those involved in the other workout routines.

These same men also reported eating fewer calories on the day following the highest intensity workout than they did on the days following other exercise sessions.

Study background information notes that men ate 764 calories after resting, 710 calories after the moderate exercise, 621 calories after the high intensity workout and 594 calories after the very high intensity workout.

While the study results are promising, researchers note that further tests need to be performed in order to link a clear connection between exercise and appetite suppression.

More information about this story can be found in the International Journal of Obesity.