Acute effects of aerobic exercise on mood and hunger feelings in male obese adolescents: a crossover study

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of exercise intensity on anxiety, mood states and hunger in obese adolescents. METHODS Subjects were eight male obese adolescents (age 15.44 ± 2.06 y; BMI 33.06 ± 4.78 kg/m2). Each subject underwent three experimental trials: (1) Control, seated for 30 min; (2) Low intensity exercise (LIE)--exercise at 10% below ventilatory threshold (VT); (3) High intensity exercise (HIE)--exercise at 10% above VT. Anxiety (STAI Trait/State), mood (POMS) and hunger (VAS) were assessed before and immediately after the experimental sessions. Comparisons between trials and times were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests, respectively. Associations between variables were described using a Spearman test. RESULTS The largest increase in hunger was observed after LEI (914.22%). Both exercise sessions increased anxiety, fatigue and decreased vigor (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Acute exercise bouts are associated with negative changes in anxiety and mood, and with increases in hunger in obese adolescents.