The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Total PYY and GLP-1 in Healthy Females: A Pilot Study

We compared the acute response of anorexigenic signals (total PYY and GLP-1) in response to submaximal and supramaximal exercise. Nine females completed three sessions: (1) moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT; 30 min; 65%  VO2max); (2) sprint interval training (SIT; 6 × 30 sec “all-out” cycling sprints with 4 min recovery); or (3) control (CTRL; no exercise). PYY and GLP-1 were measured via blood samples drawn before, immediately after, and 90 min after exercise. Perceptions of hunger were rated using a visual analogue scale at all blood sampling time points. There was a session × time interaction for GLP-1 (p=0.004) where SIT and MICT (p<0.015 and p<0.001) were higher compared to CTRL both immediately and 90 min after exercise. There was a main effect of time for PYY where 90 min after exercise it was decreased versus before and immediately after exercise. There was a session × time interaction for hunger with lower ratings following SIT versus MICT (p=0.027) and CTRL (p=0.031) 90 min after exercise. These results suggest that though GLP-1 is elevated after exercise in women, it is not affected by exercise intensity though hunger was lower 90 min after exercise with SIT. As the sample size is small further study is needed to confirm these findings

The influence of exercise intensity on appetite regulating hormones GLP-1 and PYY in active healthy adults

Exercise is a known contributor to fat loss, its efficacy increasing when combined with an energy-restricted diet in order to create an energy deficit. Claims exist that exercise intensity may influence one’s hunger and energy intake post-exercise, affecting the efficacy of exercise for fat loss. Additionally, women may increase energy intake following exercise to compensate for the increased energy expenditure more than men. This study used a randomized crossover design to examine the effect of exercise intensity on appetite regulating hormones GLP-1 and PYY, and subjective hunger in women, and compared these results to men following endurance cycling. Both sprint interval cycling and continuous endurance cycling influenced the concentration of GLP-1 and PYY, though not differently, and had no influence on perceived hunger. There was no significant difference in the response of these satiety hormones and hunger between men and women following endurance cycling