Effects of Steady State and High-Intensity Exercise on Compensatory Eating Behavior

Introduction: Studies have shown differences in weight loss between high-intensity interval training (HI) and moderate continuous training (SS) potentially due to compensatory eating behaviors. The aim of this study is to observe the differences in eating behaviors HI and SS exercise. Methods: Nine lean, college-aged individuals and participated in this study. Subjects completed three trials in a randomized order. During HI, subjects completed 16 intervals alternating between 90% and 50% VO2max (1:1). During SS, subjects ran at 70% VO2max. Subjects sat quietly during the control trial. Food logs were collected 24 hours before and after exercise bouts. Data was analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. All data are presented as mean ± SE. Results: Caloric intake was not different between trials (CON: 1558 ± 172 kcal, HI: 1851±150 kcal, SS: 1683±143 kcal, p=0.23). Carbohydrate was not different between trials (CON: 186 ± 25g, HI: 225 ± 24g, SS: 201 ± 23g, p=0.41). Fat was not different between trials (CON: 55 ± 8g, HI: 73 ± 9g, SS: 63 ± 5g, p=0.16). Protein was not different between trials (CON: 78 ± 28g, HI: 69 ± 10g, SS: 70 ± 14g, p=0.64). Conclusions: Acute HI exercise did not lead to different compensatory eating behaviors compared to SS exercise. Practitioners may feel confident to recommend any exercise model without concern for compensatory overeating.