Moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity aerobic exercise yield similar effects on food reward, appetitive responses, and energy intake in physically inactive adults

This study examines the effect of acute aerobic exercise at moderate-to-vigorous and light intensity on food reward, appetite sensation, and energy intake (EI) in physically inactive adults. Twenty inactive, healthy adults (mean age: 21 ± 3 years) completed two trials (i.e. moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity exercise) in a randomised, crossover design. Participants performed a 40-min cycling bout at either 50% or 20% peak power output in a counterbalanced order. Before and after exercise bouts, liking and wanting for fat and sweet/savoury categories of food were assessed by the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire, along with subjective ratings of appetite and state food cravings. EI was evaluated by ad libitum meals following exercise bouts.