Effect of moderate intensity exercise on acute energy intake in normal and overweight females

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of moderate intensity exercise on acute post-exercise energy intake (EI) in normal and overweight females. Twelve normal weight (BMI<25), and 12 over weight (BMI>25) inactive women (mean age 35±8) participated in a 2-day experimental study. On the exercise day, participants were asked to walk on a treadmill at 60% maximum heart rate for 1 h. After the exercise, participants selected and ate food at a university cafeteria. Post-exercise EI was compared to a non-exercise day. A single mixed model repeated 2×2 ANOVA was used to determine the impact of exercise on post-exercise EI. The overweight women consumed significantly more (p<0.02) than the normal weight women on both experimental days and there was a significant (p<0.03) difference in fat intake. The higher post —exercise EI of the overweight group may have been due to the energy needs associated with a higher BMI but it is also possible that cognitive factors, food availability and environment may influence post-exercise EI.