An October 2024 study by University of Virginia Health System concerning ghrelin, the “hunger hormone”, associated with perceptions of hunger, said,

  • “We found that high intensity exercise suppressed ghrelin levels more than moderate intensity exercise,”

  • “In addition, we found that individuals felt ‘less hungry’ after high intensity exercise compared to moderate intensity exercise.”

  • “We found that moderate intensity either did not change ghrelin levels or led to a net increase,”

  • [that exercise above the lactate threshold] “may be necessary to elicit a suppression in ghrelin.”

  • “Exercise should be thought of as a ‘drug,’ where the ‘dose’ should be customized based on an individual’s personal goals,”

  • “Our research suggests that high-intensity exercise may be important for appetite suppression, which can be particularly useful as part of a weight loss program.”