Exercise & Appetite Control

Feb 13, 2020 -

It’s the day before Valentine’s Day, and candy is everywhere, nearly impossible to avoid for a sugar addict like me. A new study demonstrates that exercise can protect against overeating.

Researchers from the Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center) at Drexel University found exercise to be a protective factor in a study where 130 participants in a weight loss program followed a reduced-calorie diet and also engaged in exercise in their real-world environments. The study revealed that exercise helped participants refrain from overeating. When participants did not exercise, the risk of overeating was 12%. When participants did 60 minutes of exercise, the risk of overindulging was cut by more than half, to 5%. Every 10 minutes of additional exercise reduced the risk of overeating by 1% in the hours following the workout. Researchers think exercise helps regulate appetite and/or eating behavior.

Takeaway: Exercise may make it easier to refrain from overeating, so keeping that commitment to your workout routine can help you stay on track with healthy eating goals.

Source

Crochiere, Rebecca J.,Kerrigan, Stephanie G.,Lampe, Elizabeth W.,Manasse, Stephanie M.,Crosby, Ross D.,Butryn, Meghan L.,Forman, Evan M., Is physical activity a risk or protective factor for subsequent dietary lapses among behavioral weight loss participants?, (2020)
Health Psychology, https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Fhea0000839