Exercise forms a two pronged attack against obesity

Added on 25/08/10

Author: Sarah Warman – Reporter

Working out is a fantastic way for us all to slim down, as we burn the calories. Engaging in physical activities could have an extra bonus for those of us who are aiming to lose weight. A new study has revealed that exercise can also help to reduce our appetites.

It is widely believed that exercises which help us lose weight such as jogging or swimming can leave us feeling famished. This is not the case however, according to experts in South America. The experts believe that exercise can become a two pronged attack in weight loss and fighting obesity.

Control appetite

The research was conducted by a Brazilian study team at the University of Campinas. They looked at a group of study rats. Half of the rats were obese, whilst the other half were of a normal weight. All of the rats underwent exercise such as swimming and running on a treadmill, afterwards their eating habits were monitored. The researchers found that the obese rats ate less than usual after the physical activity.

So how could this affect us? Well, the researchers think that the findings can be applied to human behaviour and help us to lose weight. They believe that exercise engages certain chemicals in our brains which affect how full we feel. These chemicals are “crucial for increasing the sensitivity of the most important hormones, insulin and leptin, which control appetite”, said José Barreto C. Carvalheira who led the study.

Cornerstone

“Physical activity has always been considered a cornerstone of the treatment of obesity, however, only now have the effects of exercise on the control of body weight been understood”, said a spokesperson.

So next time you’re considering going for a run or a swim, remember, not only could you burning calories, you may be helping your diet at the same time.