Post- moderate intensity exercise energy replacement does not reduce subsequent appetite and energy intake in adolescents with obesity

Exercise modifies energy intake in adolescents with obesity, but whether this is mediated by the exercise-induced energy deficit remains unknown. The present study examined the effect of exercise with and without dietary replacement of the exercise energy expenditure on appetite, energy intake and food reward in adolescents with obesity. Fourteen 12-15 years adolescents with obesity (8girls; Tanner3-4; BMI 34.8±5.7kg/m2; BMI-z score 2.3±0.4) randomly completed 3 experimental conditions: i) rest control (CON); ii) 30-min cycling (EX); iii) 30-min cycling with dietary energy replacement (EX+R). Ad libitum energy intake (EI) was assessed at lunch and dinner, and food reward (Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire) before and after lunch. Appetite was assessed at regular intervals. Lunch, evening and total EI (excluding the post-exercise snack in EX-R) were similar across conditions. Lunch and total EI including the post-exercise snack in EX+R were higher in EX-R than CON and EX; EX and CON were similar. Total relative EI was lower in EX (1502±488 kcal) compared with CON (1713±530; p<0.05) and higher in EX+R (1849±486 kcal) compared with CON (p<0.001). Appetite and satiety quotients did not differ across conditions (p≥0.10). Pre-meal explicit liking for fat was lower in EX compared to CON and EX+R (p=0.05). There was time by condition interaction between EX and CON for explicit wanting and liking for fat (p=0.01). Despite similar appetite and energy intake, adolescents with obesity do not adapt their post-exercise food intake to account for immediate dietary replacement of the exercise-induced energy deficit, favoring a short-term positive energy balance.