Acute exercise and subsequent energy intake. A meta-analysis

The precise magnitude of the effect of acute exercise on subsequent energy intake is not well understood. Identifying how large a deficit exercise can produce in energy intake and whether this is compensated for, is important in design of long-term exercise programs for weight loss and weight maintenance. Thus, this paper sought to review and perform a meta-analysis on data from the existing literature. Twenty-nine studies, consisting of 51 trials, were identified for inclusion. Exercise duration ranged from 30 to 120 min at intensities of 36-81% VO(2)max, with trials ranging from 2 to 14 h, and ad libitum test meals offered 0-2 h post-exercise. The outcome variables included absolute energy intake and relative energy intake. A random effects model was employed for analysis due to expected heterogeneity. Results indicated that exercise has a trivial effect on absolute energy intake (n = 51; ES = 0.14, 95% Cl: -0.005 to 0.29) and a large effect on relative energy intake (creating an energy deficit, n = 25; ES = -1.35, 95% Cl: -1.64 to -1.05). Despite variability among studies, results suggest that exercise is effective for producing a short-term energy deficit and that individuals tend not to compensate for the energy expended during exercise in the immediate hours after exercise by altering food intake. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.