Whey protein consumption after resistance exercise reduces energy intake at a post-exercise meal

Alistair Monteyne,Nick Corrigan,Liam Jackson,Jack Newey,Lewis J James,Alex Martin,Emma J Stevenson,Ellen Stringer,Penny L S Rumbold

doi:10.1007/s00394-016-1344-4

Alistair Monteyne, Nick Corrigan + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1344-4

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Abstract

PurposeProtein consumption after resistance exercise potentiates muscle protein synthesis, but its effects on subsequent appetite in this context are unknown. This study examined appetite and energy intake following consumption of protein- and carbohydrate-containing drinks after resistance exercise.MethodsAfter familiarisation, 15 resistance training males (age 21 ± 1 years, body mass 78.0 ± 11.9 kg, stature 1.78 ± 0.07 m) completed two randomised, double-blind trials, consisting of lower-body resistance exercise, followed by consumption of a whey protein (PRO 23.9 ± 3.6 g protein) or dextrose (CHO 26.5 ± 3.8 g carbohydrate) drink in the 5 min post-exercise. An ad libitum meal was served 60 min later, with subjective appetite measured throughout. Drinks were flavoured and matched for energy content and volume. The PRO drink provided 0.3 g/kg body mass protein.ResultsAd libitum energy intake (PRO 3742 ± 994 kJ; CHO 4172 ± 1132 kJ; P = 0.007) and mean eating rate (PRO 339 ± 102 kJ/min; CHO 405 ± 154 kJ/min; P = 0.009) were lower during PRO. The change in eating rate was associated with the change in energy intake (R = 0.661, P = 0.007). No interaction effects were observed for subjective measures of appetite. The PRO drink was perceived as creamier and thicker, and less pleasant, sweet and refreshing (P < 0.05).ConclusionThese results suggest whey protein consumption after resistance exercise reduces subsequent energy intake, and this might be partially mediated by a reduced eating rate. Whilst this reduced energy intake is unlikely to impair hypertrophy, it may be of value in supporting an energy deficit for weight loss.

Highlights

Muscle hypertrophy is highly desirable to a wide range of populations, ranging from those seeking optimal athletic performance, to those seeking to maintain functional capacity for health
The PRO drink was perceived as creamier and thicker, and less pleasant, sweet and refreshing (P < 0.05). These results suggest whey protein consumption after resistance exercise reduces subsequent energy intake, and this might be partially mediated by a reduced eating rate
There was no difference between trials for pre-trial body mass (PRO 78.9 ± 12.4 kg; CHO 78.7 ± 12.4 kg; P = 0.437), or subjective sensations of hunger (PRO 40 ± 20 mm; CHO 40 ± 18 mm; P = 0.978), fullness (PRO 51 ± 12 mm; CHO 47 ± 15 mm; P = 0.347), desire to eat (DTE) (PRO 40 ± 23 mm; CHO 43 ± 21 mm; P = 0.193) or prospective food consumption (PFC) (PRO 46 ± 21 mm; CHO 51 ± 19 mm; P = 0.282)

Summary

Introduction

Muscle hypertrophy is highly desirable to a wide range of populations, ranging from those seeking optimal athletic performance, to those seeking to maintain functional capacity for health. Resistance exercise and post-exercise protein feeding synergistically potentiate muscle protein synthesis, orchestrating muscle fibre hypertrophy [2]. Resistance-trained men, whey protein has been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis to a greater extent than other proteins when doses of 20–25 g protein are ingested [3], with this amount of whey protein being sufficient to maximise this response after lower limb resistance exercise [4]. Protein has been suggested to be the most satiating macronutrient, and protein feeding at rest has been shown to reduce subsequent energy intake compared to other macronutrients [5], and protein-containing drinks have. If postexercise protein intake reduces subsequent energy intake sufficiently, this might reduce the anabolic response to subsequent protein intake, which is potentiated for some time after exercise [7]

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