Conventional wisdom states that when we exercise, our bodies compensate in other areas to keep our caloric burn approximately the same over time. However, new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has shown that getting more exercise throughout the day causes us to expend more energy without any conservation or metabolic offset elsewhere in the body.
The study included 75 adults who ranged in age from 19 to 63 years old. Their daily activity levels varied significantly, with some participants living largely sedentary lifestyles and others participating in ultramarathons. Over a span of two weeks, each participant’s daily caloric burn was measured using a drink containing special forms of oxygen and hydrogen followed by a urine sample, which could be used to measure carbon dioxide production and energy expenditure. Additionally, each participant’s daily physical activity was measured using a wrist-worn device, and each participant had their body composition measured. Using these measurements, the relationship between daily physical activity and total energy expenditure could be determined for each participant.
The results showed that more physical activity was associated with a higher total energy expenditure regardless of body composition or typical activity levels. The participants’ bodies did not show any evidence of compensating for physical activity by reducing energy expenditure in other areas.
The authors stated that their results show that higher physical activity levels are associated with higher caloric burns regardless of other factors. However, more research may be needed to determine whether the body compensates for energy expenditure under unusual circumstances, such as exercising while under fueled. These results have important implications for heart health and overall wellbeing; in addition to its other benefits, exercise increases our daily caloric burn, which is helpful for maintaining a healthy weight and optimizing heart health.
Sources: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Science Daily
