1. How does exercise, both acutely and chronically, affect appetite, appetite-related hormones and energy intake? What direction are any changes in response to exercise?
2. How does exercise influence central (brain) appetite responses using functional MRI?
3. Can you develop a research idea / study design that you would like to investigate during a PhD that relates to the background information and gaps you have identified? What question do you want to address? Will this be an acute or chronic study? What exercise protocol or physical activity exposure will you use? What measures will you include? Who will you recruit?
Sample Solution
Exercise, both acutely and chronically, has been shown to affect our appetite, appetite-related hormones and energy intake. Acutely it can lead to an increase in ghrelin concentrations which increases hunger levels and desire for food after a workout . This is believed be due increased metabolic rate during exercise creating higher oxygen demand body needing replenish energy stores later on .
Sample Solution
Exercise, both acutely and chronically, has been shown to affect our appetite, appetite-related hormones and energy intake. Acutely it can lead to an increase in ghrelin concentrations which increases hunger levels and desire for food after a workout . This is believed be due increased metabolic rate during exercise creating higher oxygen demand body needing replenish energy stores later on .
In contrast , chronic exercise has been linked decreased ghrelin levels along reduction other hunger inducing hormones like leptin peptide YY leading overall decrease caloric intake even when eating same amount foods as before engaging regular physical activity schedule . Furthermore recent studies employing functional MRI have demonstrated that chronic exercise changes neural pathways associated with feeding behavior focusing more on satiation than hunger itself leading reduced cravings usually associated unhealthy snacks high fat content sugar etc..
Given this background information I would like conduct research study investigate effects regular aerobic exercise sedentary individuals over period 4 weeks order determine whether there substantial changes in their brain’s responses related feeding behavior well any significant shifts caloric intakes diet quality . The aim project will focus finding non invasive method reducing hunger cravings without having resort medication medical intervention potentially dangerous side effects. For this study design recruit participants aged between 18 25 (both male female) who have not engaged any form physical activity least six months prior testing data collection.
The protocol involve performing aerobic exercises three times week 30 minute sessions each these activities include jogging running cycling swimming walking etc.. During these sessions various physiological measures such heart rate blood pressure oxygen saturation level respiratory ventilation rate collected while participants also required answer questionnaires regarding their feelings concerning before after session how they perceive themselves physically mentally afterwards objectively measure changes resting metabolic rate (RMR). Following four week intervention series neuropsychological tests performed assess cognitive functioning along fMRI scans detect potential neural pathways modifications associated with response food cues.
Overall results from project may provide valuable insight into how regular physical activity affects neural responses control impulsive behaviors drive up caloric intake providing better understanding mechanisms involved process thus helping us develop strategies combat obesity overweight disorders improving general health wellbeing future generations come.
