Acute Exercise and Subsequent Energy Intake: Implications for Weight Management in Youth

Background: The imbalance between energy expenditure and energy intake represents the primary factor driving obesity progression. Physical activity has long been incorporated into weight-loss programmes to increase energy expenditure; however, it is now recognized that exercise can also influence appetite and energy consumption. In the context of developing effective obesity treatments, understanding the impact of physical exercise on subsequent energy intake is of major clinical and public health importance. While numerous reviews have addressed this topic in adult populations, the relationship between acute exercise and short-term energy intake regulation in youth remains inadequately characterized. Methods: This comprehensive review synthesizes evidence from studies examining the effects of acute exercise on subsequent energy intake and appetite regulation in lean and overweight or obese children and adolescents. Methodological approaches for assessing energy intake and expenditure are critically evaluated. The influence of exercise intensity, duration, and modality on subsequent nutritional adaptations is systematically examined. Results: Current literature provides limited data on exercise-induced changes in subsequent energy intake and appetite perceptions in youth, primarily due to methodological challenges in accurate assessment of both energy intake and expenditure. Contrary to earlier assumptions that energy intake is regulated to compensate for exercise-induced energy expenditure and preserve energy balance, the energy expended during exercise does not appear to be the primary determinant of subsequent intake. Factors including exercise duration and intensity may have greater influence. Evidence in overweight and obese adolescents suggests that intensive exercise (>۷۰% maximal oxygen consumption) may induce an anorexigenic effect, reducing daily energy balance. However, findings remain inconclusive in lean youth due to limited data and methodological heterogeneity across studies. Conclusion: The effects of acute exercise on subsequent nutritional adaptations in youth remain inconclusive. Future research should prioritize standardized methodologies, investigate appetite-related hormonal responses, and examine effects of chronic exercise programmes to better inform weight management strategies for children and adolescents.

کلیدواژه ها:

Acute exercise ، Energy intake ، Appetite regulation ، Obesity ، Youth ، Weight management