Studies find Exercise affect how our brains respond to food cues?

Studies find  Exercise affect how our brains respond to food cues?

Studies find Exercise affect how our brains respond to food cues?. Researchers from the UK's Loughborough University, University of Bristol, University of Nottingham, and the University of Leicester, along with Waseda University in Japan, conducted a study to explore the effects of running on blood flow in the brain and its influence on brain activity associated with appetite. The study revealed that alterations in participants' response to visual food cues occurred independently of the overall modifications in cerebral blood flow. How much we consume is determined by brain systems that are responsive to changes in our body and the surrounding food environment. Past research has demonstrated that brief periods of exercise, such as running, can transiently decrease appetite. Nevertheless, our comprehension of the precise influence of exercise on our inclination to eat remains incomplete.

Food cue reactivity refers to the physiological and psychological responses our body exhibits in response to food stimuli, such as the visual or olfactory cues associated with food. It plays a crucial role in influencing our appetite and ultimately affects the amount of food we consume. The research team aimed to investigate whether alterations in brain blood flow induced by exercise could impact individuals' responses to food. These changes were assessed using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a technique that allows us to examine brain activity by detecting subtle variations in blood flow. By utilizing fMRI scans, the study aimed to gain insights into the relationship between exercise-induced blood flow changes in the brain and individuals' reactions to food.

In this particular study, a group of twenty-three men participated in fMRI scans conducted both before and after a 60-minute session of either running or rest. During the scanning procedure, the participants were presented with three categories of images: low-energy dense foods like fruits and vegetables, high-energy dense foods like chocolate, and non-food items such as furniture. The purpose of these image stimuli was to elicit different responses and assess the impact of exercise on participants' reactions to various types of visual cues.

The findings of the study indicated that the exercise session resulted in a decrease in self-reported hunger levels among the participants. However, intriguingly, it also led to an increase in the reactivity of various brain regions in response to food cues. By employing an alternative type of fMRI analysis, the research team further observed changes in cerebral blood flow following exercise. However, these alterations in blood flow did not seem to exert an influence on the signals related to food cue reactivity.

Dr. Alice Thackray, a Senior Research Associate in Exercise Metabolism at Loughborough's School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS), served as the lead author of the study. Reflecting on the research outcomes, she expressed, "Our findings validate that individuals experience reduced hunger sensations during and immediately following an exercise session, shedding light on the transient impact of exercise on brain-related appetite responses." Dr. Thackray's statement highlights the study's contribution to understanding the short-term effects of exercise on how the brain responds to appetite-related signals.

While further research is required to fully comprehend the implications of these findings, it is well-established that the brain plays a significant role in regulating appetite and food consumption. The current study represents an exciting collaboration that holds promise for future developments, as the researchers aim to delve deeper into the intricate relationship between exercise and appetite. The focus will be on understanding the impact on central responses within the brain, thus contributing to our broader understanding of how exercise and appetite interact.

David Stensel, Professor of Exercise Metabolism in SSEHS, offered additional insights by stating, "The discussion surrounding the role of exercise in modifying appetite and its contribution to weight management continues to be a topic of intense debate. However, this research provides compelling evidence that exercise has the ability to modify how our brains react to food cues." Professor Stensel's statement underscores the significance of the study's findings in shedding light on the potential influence of exercise on altering the brain's response to food cues, further contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding exercise, appetite, and weight control.

The study serves as a valuable foundation for future investigations aiming to elucidate and define appetite responses to exercise with greater precision and comprehensiveness. Such endeavors will contribute to a deeper understanding of the specific role exercise plays in preventing and managing undesirable weight gain. By expanding our knowledge in this area, we can develop more effective strategies for harnessing the potential of exercise as a means to promote healthy weight management.

Dr. Elanor Hinton from the University of Bristol expressed her satisfaction with the collaborative research, stating, "This research originated as a modest pilot collaboration between the NIHR BRCs in Loughborough and Bristol. We are thrilled that our initial aspirations have evolved into the publication of this study in Human Brain Mapping, where we have shared our collective expertise." Dr. Hinton's comment highlights the collaborative nature of the research, as well as the successful fruition of their joint efforts, resulting in the publication of their findings in a reputable scientific journal.