I'm trying to lose weight. Will exercising make me hungrier and eat more?
This article examines the common belief that exercise leads to increased hunger and overeating. Scientific evidence suggests that while exercise may temporarily suppress appetite, it does not significantly increase daily energy intake for most individuals.
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between physical activity and appetite is crucial for individuals managing weight and health goals.
Many people report exercise makes them incredibly hungry. Here's what might be going on. ( Pexels: Anna Shvets )
Link copied Share Share article We've all been there. You spend an hour in the gym, and before you even reach the change room, you start thinking about our favourite takeaway meal — after all, you've earned it!
Before long, you're tucking into a super-sized meal. Then the guilt hits: what was the point of exercising to burn all those calories if it just makes us eat even more calories?
But while this might be a familiar pattern, it's not necessarily a super-sized hunger at play. Let's see what the science says.
While many people report that exercise makes them hungry, the science is more nuanced.
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