Exercise increases cravings for sweets in some people

A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that exercise can increase the desire in some people to eat high-fat, sugary foods and prevent them from achieving weight loss goals.[1] 

Ah, snap.  Talk about counterproductive.

The study found that 14 of the 34 that successfully completed the study’s 12-week supervised exercise program failed to achieve weight-loss targets.  This group, labeled as “Non-Responders” in the study experienced “increased cravings for all food categories tested, particularly high-fat, sweet foods including doughnuts and milk chocolate.” [2]   

The researchers examined these results and found that “Some people lose weight equal to or more than the expected weight, whereas some people lose less weight than expected. We are now beginning to research and explain why they may not be able to lose the expected weight." [3]  One of the investigators, Professor King, suggested that “implicit wanting of food after exercise could predict those who increased their food intake compared to those who ate the same amount.” [4]

So what are these “Non-Responders” to do?  Forgo exercise so to avoid this increase in cravings.  That hardly seems like a good solution.  The investigators suggest that “identifying a predisposition to high-fat, sweet foods in overweight and obese people could improve weight loss strategies by tailoring dietary restriction and exercise interventions to suit individuals.” [5]

---

[1] http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20110703-21921.html

[2] http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20110703-21921.html

[3] http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20110703-21921.html

[4] http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20110703-21921.html

[5] http://www.sciencealert.com.au/news/20110703-21921.html