Influence of fat-free mass and resting metabolic rate on increased food reinforcement after exercise training

Abstract Purpose Models of appetite control have been largely based on negative feedback from gut and adipose signaling to central centers. However, contemporary models posit that fat-free mass (FFM) or the energy demand FFM [i.e., resting metabolic rate (RMR)] may play a primary role in motivational drive for food intake (i.e., reinforcement). The relative reinforcing value (RRV ) is associated with (EI) increases an acute deficit. Chronic exercise-induced deficits lead alterations fat (FM), FFM, RMR provide opportunity test whether change (∆) FM, ∆FFM, ∆usual EI, ∆RMR are ∆RRV . Methods Participants ( n = 29, BMI 25–35 kg/m 2 engaged aerobic exercise expending 300 600 kcal, 5 days/weeks 12 weeks. (PMax was measured via computer-based operant responding task RRV calculated as non-eating sedentary behaviors. determined by indirect calorimetry body composition DXA. Results Post-training correlated usual post-training EI r s 0.41, p < 0.05), PMax 0.52, 0.01), 0.85, 0.0001). negatively ∆PMax − 0.38, 0.05) 0.37, 0.05). were not ∆FFM 0.71, 0.57, respectively). Conclusions Reductions weight loss increase reinforcement means restoring pre-weight amounts. Limiting reductions during benefit maintenance restricting after loss.