Many people are aware that the number of calories that is burned during exercise is frustratingly low. Luckily, in addition to burning some calories, exercise can dramatically contribute to weight loss by decreasing one’s levels of hunger.
During exercise, your body produces a compound called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It has been known for many years that BDNF plays a critical role in the creation of new synapses between nerves, and that this is one of the main reasons that exercise can dramatically improve cognitive function.
According to a new study, “low levels of the BDNF protein in the brain lead to overeating and dramatic obesity in mice. Deficiencies in BDNF have also been linked to obesity in humans” (1). In order to boost levels of BDNF, the best strategy is to exercise regularly.
Conclusions
Although many people are frustrated at the number of calories burned during physical activity, exercise is still an integral aspect of any weight loss program due to its effect on satiety and retention of lean body mass. This study illustrates the importance of exercise for producing BDNF in order to curb appetite.
References
1 Cordeira JW, et al. Hypothalamic Dysfunction of the Thrombospondin Receptor 2 -1 Underlies the Overeating and Obesity Triggered by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deficiency. Journal of Neuroscience, 2014; 34 (2): 554.