Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

As suggested by the phrase “you cannot outrun your fork”, it is generally understood that there is an increase in appetite and energy intake following exercise. Evidence for an energy compensation' following exercise is supported by data showing minimal changes in body weight with long-term exercise. In contrast, substantial research demonstrates that exercise leads to acute reductions in appetite. Moreover, research investigating compensatory energy intake with exercise fails to show an increase in energy intake equaling exercise-induced energy expenditure. The precise reason for the discrepancy between reduced appetite and maintained body weight with exercise remains poorly understood. My research program aims to examine both the long-term and short-term impacts of exercise on appetite control. Using an animal model, my lab will assess the chronic, weight independent impacts of exercise training on appetite control signals. Furthermore, given the link between gut microbiota and gut-derived satiety hormones, my lab will examine whether exercise-induced changes in gut bacteria are associated with changes in appetite control signaling. With most exercise studies examining the changes in appetite that occur in the immediate post-exercise period, my research aims to assess the prolonged, time-course impacts of aerobic and resistance exercise on appetite-regulating hormones and energy intake using a series of studies in an animal model and human participants. Together, the proposed studies will help to increase our fundamental understanding of how exercise impacts the energy intake' side of the energy balance equation. With a better understanding of how exercise affects appetite, this work will inform future research investigating strategies aimed at optimizing the metabolic benefits associated with exercise.