Ever wish you could shut off the “I need to eat” signal? Well, going to the gym may be the answer! PLOS Biology Journal reports that exercise may help control your hunger pains. The study showed that obese rodents that were put on an intense workout exercise regimen had increased levels of anti-inflammatory protein in their brains and ate less as a result. According to Dr. Jose Cavalheira of the University of Brazil (lead study author), “Obesity causes inflammation in the hypothalamus which decreases its sensitivity to the hormones that tell us when to stop eating.” Exercising apparently reduces inflammation and restores those signals. More research on humans is necessary, but it may be enough for some of my readers to head to the gym!
Source: Women’s Health, February 2011.
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