The links between different levels of exercise, gender, and how the body regulates hunger have been a topic of growing interest. Ghrelin, often called the “hunger hormone,” comes in two forms: acylated ghrelin and deacylated ghrelin, which play different roles in appetite control. Acylated ghrelin is the active form responsible for increased hunger, whereas deacylated ghrelin has more complex and less well-understood effects. Dr. Kara Anderson of the University of Virginia and her team recently conducted a study that examined how exercise intensity and gender affect ghrelin and hunger in inactive adults. Their findings were published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
The researchers recruited a group of men and women who were nonsmokers, whose weight was stable and within a healthy weight range. The participants underwent three different training sessions: one with no exercise, one with moderate cycling, and one with high-intensity cycling. Blood samples were analyzed to measure ghrelin levels, a method that reveals hormonal changes in the blood, and hunger surveys were used to track feelings of appetite during and after each treatment. Women had higher baseline levels of acylated ghrelin and deacylated ghrelin compared with men, which is consistent with earlier research suggesting that hormones such as estrogen may play a role in raising these levels.
Scientists found that high-intensity exercise significantly reduced both types of ghrelin in both men and women. High-intensity exercise, defined as activity that substantially increases heart rate and breathing, appears to have a stronger effect. “This decrease was particularly pronounced in women, suggesting that gender may influence the body’s response to strenuous exercise,” commented Dr. Anderson. Moderate-intensity exercise involving moderate but sustainable effort, such as brisk walking or light cycling, can increase hunger feelings, but high-intensity exercise appears to better control these feelings, especially in women.
Surprisingly, high-intensity exercise was more effective than moderate-intensity exercise at reducing a specific form of ghrelin that is closely linked to hunger. As Dr. Anderson explains, “Our findings highlight the potential of high-intensity exercise as an effective method of appetite control, which may have significant benefits for weight management strategies.” This suggests that, beyond simply burning calories, exercise Intensity also affects hormonal signals that regulate hunger.
This study reveals the complex interplay between exercise, hunger and hunger-related hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the blood to regulate various processes, including appetite. It highlights the importance of customizing an exercise program to suit individual needs, particularly when addressing weight management or hunger-related issues.
Journal reference
Anderson, KC, Mardian, T., Stephenson, B., Grammer, EE, Stahl, ME, Weeldreyer, NR, Liu, Z., Love, KM, Kranz, S., Allen, JD, & Weltman, A. (2024 ). “Effects of exercise intensity and gender on endogenous ghrelin levels and appetite in healthy humans.” Journal of the Endocrine Society. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvae165
About the author
Dr. Kara Anderson is a renowned researcher and scholar specializing in exercise physiology and its impact on hormonal and metabolic health. She is a researcher at the University of Virginia, where her work focuses on exploring the complex relationships between physical activity, hormones, and appetite regulation. Dr. Anderson has a keen interest in how exercise intensity affects key hunger-regulating hormones, and he has provided valuable insights into the role of acylated and deacylated ghrelin in human physiology. Her research aims to inform weight management and health optimization strategies through tailored exercise interventions.
Dr. Anderson holds advanced degrees in kinesiology and medicine, giving her a comprehensive understanding of human movement and its physiological effects. She is also committed to mentoring emerging scientists and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to advance health and fitness research. Her work bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application to help individuals achieve healthier lifestyles.
