Search Here

A recent study brings to light a cautionary note for fitness enthusiasts: while high-intensity workouts are often heralded for their effectiveness in burning calories, they might inadvertently sabotage weight loss efforts by diminishing subsequent physical activity and altering circadian rhythms.

Exercise, a cornerstone of physical health, encompasses activities that elevate heart rate and contribute to overall well-being. However, recent research conducted on mice suggests that the aftermath of intense exercise sessions could counteract the expected benefits.

Lead researcher Takashi Matsui, Ph.D., from the University of Tsukuba in Japan, explains that a single session of high-intensity exercise, characterized by heavy sweating, can disrupt the body's natural rhythms, leading to reduced physical activity and lower core body temperature, ultimately resulting in weight gain despite unchanged food intake.

"Interestingly, this weight gain occurs despite no changes in food intake," Matsui told Medical News Today. "These phenomena are likely due to disruptions in the circadian rhythm of the stress hormone corticosterone and disturbances in the synchronization between physical activity and body temperature."

"Therefore, it is important to consider not only the energy expenditure during exercise but also the subsequent activity levels and circadian rhythm when setting appropriate exercise intensity for effective weight loss."

Published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the study, which monitored mice subjected to different exercise intensities, revealed a disconcerting pattern: high-intensity exercise led to a reduction in subsequent physical activity levels and a disruption in the synchronization between physical activity and body temperature.

While the findings highlight the complexity of exercise's metabolic effects, experts caution against overinterpreting the results, noting that further research is needed to fully understand the implications for human physiology.

Ryan Glatt, CP, a senior brain health coach not involved in the research, has emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to exercise, recommending a mix of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises and resistance training to optimize weight loss outcomes while prioritizing rest and recovery.

"Overall, this study suggests rethinking the focus on intense exercise, considering the potential benefits of more moderate and consistent activity for weight loss," Glatt remarked. "It's important to note that these results are from animal studies and may not directly apply to humans."

Dr. Mark A. Anton, medical director at Slimz Weightloss, noted the significance of maintaining an active lifestyle beyond structured exercise, emphasizing the need for consistency and moderation in physical activity to avoid unintended consequences on metabolic health.

"For weight loss and weight management, I recommend a balanced approach that includes a mix of moderate-intensity aerobic exercises, such as brisk walking or cycling, combined with resistance training. This combination helps to burn calories, build muscle, and maintain a higher metabolic rate. It's also crucial to incorporate rest and recovery to prevent burnout and ensure sustainable progress," Anton, who is not involved in the study, said.