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Acute post-exercise energy and macronutrient intake in lean and obese youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Obesity volume 40, pages 1469–1479 (2016)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Aim:

This review aims to determine if acute exercise affects subsequent energy and macronutrients intake in obese and non-obese children and adolescents.

Methods:

Databases were searched between January 2015 and December 2015 for studies reporting energy and/or macronutrients intake immediately after an acute exercise and control condition, in children and adolescents. From the initial 118 references found, 14 were included for subsequent analysis after screening representing 31 acute exercise conditions that varied in intensity, duration and modality.

Results:

One study found increased energy intake after exercise, seven decreased and 23 revealed no change. The meta-analysis revealed a significant effect of acute exercise on intake in obese but not in lean youth by a mean difference of −0.430 (95% confidence interval=−0.703 to −0.157, P=0.002) displaying low heterogeneity (I2=0.000; Q=5.875; df=9, P=0.752). The analysis showed that intense exercise only reduces intake in obese children (no intensity effect in lean). Unchanged macronutrients intake was reported in nine studies as opposed to three which found modified lipids, protein and/or carbohydrate intake.

Conclusion:

Although acute exercise does not affect energy intake in lean, it appears to reduced food intake in obese youth when intense, without altering the macronutrients composition of the meal.

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Acknowledgements

TD as the first author initiated the paper and wrote the first version of the manuscript. PB and TD were in charge of the statistical analysis. TD, RPL, MME, KNA and BJE led the writing process and helped in the redaction of the paper.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of the Metabolic Adaptations to Exercise under Physiological and Pathological Conditions (AME2P), UE3533, Clermont Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    D Thivel

  2. Auvergne Research Center for Human Nutrition (CRNH), Clermont-Ferrand, France

    D Thivel

  3. Department of Sport, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

    P L Rumbold

  4. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    N A King

  5. Biostatistics unit (DRCI), Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand, France

    B Pereira

  6. Faculty of Medicine and Health, Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK

    J E Blundell

  7. Department of Kinesiology, University of Montreal, 2100 Edouard-Montpetit, Montreal, Canada

    M-E Mathieu

  8. Sainte-Justine UHC Research Center, 5757 Decelles, Montreal, Canada

    M-E Mathieu

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  1. D Thivel
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Correspondence to D Thivel.

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Thivel, D., Rumbold, P., King, N. et al. Acute post-exercise energy and macronutrient intake in lean and obese youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes 40, 1469–1479 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2016.122

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