The benefits of exercise have been underlined by a study that reveals it not only burns off calories, but can reduce feelings of hunger as well.
The findings suggest a “double whammy” benefit that may help the overweight to slim.
Researchers studying obese mice found that exercise restored the sensitivity of brain cells involved in controlling appetite.
The change increased satiety – or “feeling full” – in the animals and led to a reduction in food intake.
Levels of two crucial signalling molecules called interleukins, IL-6 and IL-10, were boosted in the brains of the rodents, the scientists found.
However the effects were only seen in obese mice. Exercise had little impact on the appetite of lean animals.
“In obese animals, exercise increased IL-6 and IL-10 protein levels in the hypothalamus, and these molecules were crucial for increasing the sensitivity of the most important hormones, insulin and leptin, which control appetite,” said study leader Dr Jose Barreto Carvalheira, from Campinas University in Brazil.
Physical activity could contribute to tackling obesity not only by increasing energy expenditure but also affecting satiety signals, said the researchers.
The findings were reported in the online journal Public Library of Science Biology.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
