The Chronic Effect of Interval Training on Energy Intake: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract EN

Single bouts of acute exercise do not appear to increase subsequent energy intake (EI), even when energy deficit is large.

However, studies have shown a compensatory effect on EI following chronic exercise, and it remains unclear whether this is affected by exercise intensity.

We investigated the chronic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and sprint interval training (SIT) on EI when compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or no exercise (CON).

Databases were searched until 13 March 2017 for studies measuring EI in response to chronic exercise (≥4 weeks of duration) of a high-intensity interval nature.

Meta-analysis was conducted for between-group comparisons on EI (kilojoules) and bodyweight (kg).

Results showed large heterogeneity, and therefore, metaregression analyses were conducted.

There were no significant differences in EI between HIIT/SIT versus MICT (P=0.282), HIIT/SIT versus CON (P=0.398), or MICT versus CON (P=0.329).

Although bodyweight was significantly reduced after HIIT/SIT versus CON but not HIIT/SIT versus MICT (in studies measuring EI), this was not clinically meaningful (<2% mean difference).

In conclusion, there is no compensatory increase in EI following a period of HIIT/SIT compared to MICT or no exercise.

However, this review highlights important methodological considerations for future studies.