Higher energy flux may improve short-term appetite control in adolescents with obesity: the NEXT study

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests better appetite control in states of high-energy flux (HEF) in adults and lean children. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether this extends to youth with obesity. This study compares the effects of low, moderate or HEF on short-term appetitive control in adolescents with obesity. Sixteen adolescents with obesity (12-16 years, Tanner stages 3-5, 11 females) randomly completed three conditions: (i) low-energy flux (LEF); (ii) moderate energy flux (MEF; + 250 kcal) and (iii) HEF (HEF; + 500 kcal). Energy flux was achieved in MEF and HEF through elevated energy intake (EI) and concomitant increase in energy expenditure using cycling exercise (65 % VO2peak). Ad libitum EI, macronutrient intake and relative EI were assessed at dinner, subjective appetite sensations taken at regular intervals and food reward measured before dinner. Ad libitum EI at dinner was greater in LEF compared with HEF (P = 0·008), and relative EI (REI) was higher in LEF compared with MEF (P = 0·003) and HEF (P < 0·001). The absolute consumption of carbohydrates was lower in LEF compared with MEF (P = 0·047) and HEF (P < 0·001). Total AUC for hunger and desire to eat was lower in HEF compared with LEF (P < 0·001) and MEF (P = 0·038). Total AUC for prospective food consumption was lower on HEF compared with LEF (P = 0·004). Food choice sweet bias was higher in HEF (P = 0·005) compared with LEF. To conclude, increasing energy flux may improve short-term appetite control in adolescents with obesity.