Just one workout is all it takes to boost your metabolic benefits for the next two day, according to a new study.
Understand two types of neurons
The research, which was led by Dr. Kevin Williams of the University of Texas Southwestern, looked at the effects of mice who were engaged in one single workout.
The team found that a single workout helps to lower blood sugar and appetite and boost metabolism for two days by activating the melanocortin brain circuit. This circuit has two types of neurons: hypothalamicpro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and neuropeptide Y/agouti-related peptide(NPY/AgRP) neurons. While the POMC neurons reduce blood sugar levels, lower appetite and are associated with more active metabolism, the NPY/AgRP neurons are linked to slower metabolism and increase appetite.
Researching mice and metabolism
For this study, the mice did three consecutive 20-minute treadmill sessions, which activated the POMC neurons and deactivated the NPY/AgRP neurons. The results lasted for up to 48 hours.
“It doesn’t take much exercise to alter the activity of these neurons,” says Dr. Williams. “Based on our results, we would predict that getting out and exercising even once in a semi-intense manner can reap benefits that can last for days, in particular with respect to glucose metabolism.”
In addition, the researchers found that the POMC neurons stayed active longer if they also expressed leptin receptors. As a metabolic hormone, leptin has been shown to benefit the synapses of POMC neurons.
What the research means for humans
After the workout, the mice appeared to have no appetite for six hours. This may explain why humans often don’t have big appetite after they exercise.
“A better understanding of neural links to exercise can potentially help a number of conditions affected by glucose regulation,”explains Dr. Williams. “It is possible that activating melanocortin neurons may hold therapeutic benefits for patients on day, especially for [people with diabetes [ who need improved blood-glucose regulation.”
