Delayed meal timing after exercise is associated with reduced appetite and energy intake in adolescents with obesity

Background

While the beneficial effects of exercise on appetite might depend on its timing during the day or relative to a meal, this remains poorly explored in youth.

Objectives

To examine the importance of meal timing (+30 vs +90 minutes) after performing exercise on energy intake, appetite and food reward in adolescents with obesity.

Methods

Eighteen adolescents with obesity randomly completed three conditions: (a) lunch (12:00 pm) set 30 minutes after a rest session (11:00 am); (b) lunch (12:00 pm) set 30 minutes after an exercise session (11:00 am)(MEAL‐30); (c) lunch (01:00 pm) set 90 minutes after an exercise session (11:00 am)(MEAL‐90). Lunch and dinner ad libitum energy intake was assessed, food reward (LFPQ) assessed before and after lunch, and before dinner, appetite sensations were assessed at regular intervals.

Results

Energy intake was lower at MEAL‐90 than MEAL‐30 and CON at lunch (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and lunch + dinner combined (P < .001). A decrease in intake (g) of protein, fat and carbohydrate was observed. Post‐exercise hunger was lower on MEAL‐90 compared with CON. No condition effects were found at lunch for food reward.

Conclusions

Delaying the timing of the meal after exercise might help affect energy balance by decreasing ad libitum energy intake without increasing hunger and by improving satiety in adolescents with obesity.