Exercise in cold water increases appetite

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida suggests that exercise in cold water instead of warm water may increase people's appetites.

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida suggests that exercise in cold water instead of warm water may increase people's appetites.

The team led by Lesley White tracked the energy used by 11 students aged 21 to 31 as they rode a stationary bicycle submerged in water for 45 minutes. The students exercised in cold water of 68 degrees Fahrenheit and warm water of 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

The students also spent 45 minutes resting. The study found the students used a similar amount of energy during the exercises, 517 calories in the cold water and 505 in the warm water and they spent 123 calories while resting.

"It's possible that individuals who exercise in cooler water may have an exaggerated energy intake following exercise, which may be a reason why they don't lose as much weight. So it may not be the exercise itself that causes the problem because you can matchthe exercise energy expenditure; rather it's the increased eating after the exercise is over."

After each exercise session and the rest period, the students were allowed into a room to measure their blood pressure and heart rates. They were left to rest for one hour in the same room and had free access to a standard assortment of food of known caloric values.

Caloric intake after exercise in cold water was 44 percent higher than exercise in warm water and 41 percent higher than in the resting periods. The students consumed a mean 877 calories after exercise in cold water, 608 calories after exercise in warm water and 618 after resting periods.