Delayed meal timing after exercise is associated with reduced appetite and energy intake in adolescents with obesity

BACKGROUND: While the beneficial effects of exercise on appetite might depend on its timing during the day or relative to a meal, this remains poorly explored in youth. OBJECTIVES: To examine the importance of meal timing (+30 vs +90 minutes) after performing exercise on energy intake, appetite and food reward in adolescents with obesity. METHODS: Eighteen adolescents with obesity randomly completed three conditions: (a) lunch (12:00 pm) set 30 minutes after a rest session (11:00 am); (b) lunch (12:00 pm) set 30 minutes after an exercise session (11:00 am)(MEAL-30); (c) lunch (01:00 pm) set 90 minutes after an exercise session (11:00 am)(MEAL-90). Lunch and dinner ad libitum energy intake was assessed, food reward (LFPQ) assessed before and after lunch, and before dinner, appetite sensations were assessed at regular intervals. RESULTS: Energy intake was lower at MEAL-90 than MEAL-30 and CON at lunch (P < .05 and P < .01, respectively) and lunch + dinner combined (P < .001). A decrease in intake (g) of protein, fat and carbohydrate was observed. Post-exercise hunger was lower on MEAL-90 compared with CON. No condition effects were found at lunch for food reward. CONCLUSIONS: Delaying the timing of the meal after exercise might help affect energy balance by decreasing ad libitum energy intake without increasing hunger and by improving satiety in adolescents with obesity.