Appetite Responses Over 24-h Before and After 12-Weeks of Resistance Exercise in Older Male Adults: Secondary data...

Despite resistance exercise (RE) being a key component of landmark recommendations for weight control, there is still a paucity of data on the effects of RE on appetite. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 12-weeks of RE on appetite.

Thirty-three older men (67±4 years; BMI: 25.4±2.4 kg/m²) were included in this secondary pooled data analysis of a 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-arm parallel group trial. In the present analysis, RE (2x/week at 80% 1RM; n=17) and no exercise (NE; continue habitual physical activity; n=16) groups were pooled and compared to one another. Appetite profile was measured over 24 h inside a metabolic chamber at baseline and post 12-weeks using visual analogue scales (VAS). Area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using the trapezoidal method. Significance was set at p<0.05.

No significant group-by-time (p≥0.08) or group-by-time-by-time point (p≥0.10) differences occurred between groups for VAS hunger, satiety, fullness, prospective food consumption, or composite appetite score. Similarly, no significant differences were observed for 24-h VAS AUC for hunger (p=0.35), satiety (p=0.58), fullness (p=0.41), prospective food consumption (p=0.21), or composite appetite score (p=0.40).

The present study found no statistical effect on appetite following 12-weeks of RE in older adult males. RE should continue to be undertaken throughout the life course and be included as part of physical activity recommendations for optimal health in old age due to the many physical, mental health and functional benefits.