How a 30-minute run changes appetite during short-term calorie restriction

Acute Effect of Exercise on Appetite, Appetite-Regulatory Hormones, and Energy Intake During Energy Restriction in Healthy Men

This research will test whether a 30-minute bout of treadmill exercise changes hunger, appetite-related hormones, and how much healthy men eat while on a short-term calorie-restricted diet.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 14 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: Male
• Sponsor: University of Glasgow (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Glasgow)
• Trial ID: NCT06895837 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Healthy men are screened, measured for body composition, and complete two treadmill tests to determine aerobic capacity (V̇O2max). Each participant completes three 24-hour laboratory visits in a counterbalanced order: a control day at full energy intake, a severe-energy-restriction day, and a severe-energy-restriction day that includes a 30-minute run at ~75% V̇O2peak. Appetite ratings, blood samples for appetite-regulatory hormones, and an ad libitum meal to measure energy intake are collected during each visit. All visits start after an overnight fast and use prescribed evening meals to standardize prior intake.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Healthy men aged 18–65 with stable body weight (±2 kg for at least six months), not on special diets, nonsmokers, free of metabolic or mental-health conditions, not taking medications, and able to safely perform treadmill running.

Not a fit: Women, people outside the 18–65 age range, those with metabolic disease, on medications, smokers, on special diets, with food allergies, or with contraindications to running are not eligible and would not benefit from the results directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could offer a simple exercise strategy to help men manage hunger and food intake during short-term dieting.

How similar studies have performed: Previous short-term studies have shown that acute exercise can transiently suppress appetite and alter appetite hormones, but results are mixed and evidence is limited for severe energy restriction scenarios.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Males aged 18 years or older.
* Have stable body mass for at least six months (within ±2 kg).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Females
* People who are younger than 18 or older than 65 years old.
* Following a special diet (e.g. weight loss, vegetarian or vegan, etc.).
* Have food allergies related to the study.
* Have significant contraindications to exercise (e.g., an injury that would inhibit running).
* Smoking.
* Taking any medications.
* Suffering from metabolic health issues, e.g., history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or eating disorders.
* Have any mental health conditions.

Where this trial is running

Glasgow

• New Lister Building, Glasgow Royal Infirmary — Glasgow, United Kingdom (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: James Dorling, PhD — University of Glasgow
• Study coordinator: Sultan Alenezi, MSc

Conditions Healthy