What is the Origin of Exercise-Induced Anorexia?

This descriptive clinical term combines 'exercise-induced,' indicating the direct cause, with 'anorexia,' derived from the Greek meaning "without appetite." It is a concept studied within exercise physiology and nutritional science to understand the complex interplay between physical activity and energy balance regulation. Early research focused on endurance athletes exhibiting this temporary blunting of hunger signals.

What is the Mechanism of Exercise-Induced Anorexia?

The primary mechanism involves the acute alteration of gut-peptide hormones and neural signaling within the hypothalamus, the brain's appetite control center. Intense exercise often leads to a transient increase in circulating anorexigenic (appetite-suppressing) hormones, such as peptide YY (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), while simultaneously decreasing levels of the orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) hormone ghrelin. Furthermore, the elevated core body temperature and sympathetic nervous system activation contribute to this temporary shift in energy balance perception. This hormonal shift prioritizes recovery over immediate food-seeking behavior.

Exercise-Induced Anorexia ∞ Area

Exercise-Induced Anorexia

Meaning

Exercise-Induced Anorexia is the transient, acute suppression of appetite and reduction in perceived hunger that often follows a bout of moderate to high-intensity physical activity. This is a temporary physiological phenomenon distinct from the pathological eating disorder anorexia nervosa, and it typically resolves as the body begins its recovery phase. The degree of appetite suppression is generally proportional to the intensity and duration of the exercise performed. Clinicians recognize this as a normal part of the post-exercise physiological state.