Physical activity and appetite modulation: The effects of physical exercise on appetite suppression

Abstract

Objective: To discuss actions of physical exercise in modulating appetite and decreasing food intake, identifying appetite suppression mechanisms and their anorexigenic actions. Method: Literature review was carried out on Google Scholar, SciELO, Epub and PubMed, using the search descriptors: obesity, appetite regulation, physical exercise, and anorexigenic to verify the state of the art of the subject. Mostly, publications in Portuguese and English, book chapters and scientific articles were included. Result: Exercise is an important tool for the prevention and treatment of obesity, being an efficient tool for reducing body fat, providing anorectic action with suppression of appetite, consequently decreasing food intake. Conclusion: The appetite suppression effect generated by the reduction of ghrelin levels is not a rule, it depends on variables. The studied population, level of conditioning and intensity of activity are decisive in obtaining the effects of suppressing appetite and decreasing food consumption.