The impact of different types of aerobic exercise on energy intake and compensation immediately after endurance training

Introduction  Energy intake (EI) following exercise is highly individual, resulting in compensatory eating in some individuals. Cycling and running differ in their requirements, so a one-by-one transformation is uncertain. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of different types of aerobic exercise on post-exercise EI and compensatory EI. In addition, associations between biological and behavioural characteristics were assessed to EI.

Material and Methods  In a randomized crossover study, 8 healthy participants (24 ± 2 years, 21.3 ± 1.4 kg/m²; 62.5 % male) completed three ad libitum test meals following (1) 45-minute cycling exercise, (2) 45-minute running exercise and (3) cycling until reaching an equal exercise expenditure to condition 2. EI post-exercise and compensatory EI (intake – exercise expenditure) were assessed.

Results  Post-exercise EI (p = 0.978) and compensatory EI (p = 0.980) did not differ between exercise sessions. Men consumed 573 kcal more than women (p < 0.001), resulting in greater compensatory EI (414 kcal; p < 0.001). After stratifying by sex, height, weight, running exercise behaviour, cycling intensity, energy expenditure, basal metabolic rate, and total daily energy expenditure were predictors of EI in men and women (all p < 0.05). Predictors of compensatory intake were almost identical to those of total EI.

Conclusion  Results demonstrate no impact between different types of endurance exercise and EI and compensation, but exercise leads to an increase in compensation with a tendency towards higher EI in men. This may help identify individuals who tend to compensate for the energy expended during exercise, and thus to target countermeasures ahead of time.

Publication History

Article published online:
26 May 2023